The eagle royal dragoons magazines the eagle december 1948

THE EAGLE The

Journal

of the

ROYAL

No. 5

DRAGOONS

DECEMBER, 1943

THE

EAGLE

Tile Reg/mental Journal of

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

WOLFENBUTTEL

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HUNTIN’, SIIOOTIN’, FISHIN’ ..

EDITORIAL

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OBITUARY

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DECEMBER, 1948

THE BAND STABLE NEws A

SPORTING LIFE ATHLETICS

H. R. MORTON

CRICKET ‘ I‘OOTBALL .

MODERN PENTATHLON

VISIT OF THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT WATERLOO DAY, HHS

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BERLIN, 1948

RIFLE SHOOTING ..

REGIMENTAL HORSE SHO\\'

SKI-INO NOTES, 1947—48 SWIMMING , .

I‘HE FIFE AND FORFAR XEOMANRY

SQUADRON NOTES “ A ” SQUADRON .. “ C ” SQUADRON

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“ H.Q. ” SQUADRON

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TECH. GROUP

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SERGEAN’IS MESS NOTES

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SIGNAL TROOP NOTES M.T. NOTES

O.C.A. NOTES .,

‘

THE REGIMENTAL GAZETTE BIRTHS ‘

MARRIAOES

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NOMINAL ROLL OF REGULAR SOLDIERS THE SOLTAN

THE

JOURNAL

OF

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

EDITORIAL THIS edition of the Eagle is notable as the first post—war one which has been written and produced in the same place as its immediate predecessor—and as yet there seems no sign of an imminent move.

We are now well dug-in at Wolfenbiittel.

Extensive structural alterations have been carried out in the Officers Mess and the Naafi, and the Sergeants Mess is next on the list. ,By dint of bull—dozers and thirty hard—working Latvians, the previously limi-

Committee of the O.C.A. for their kind support and financial assistance during this difficult period.

It might interest readers to know that in 1938 a larger and far more lavish Eagle was produced at almost a quarter the cost of the last number. We cannot afford these days to be the only publication, institution or whathaveyou attempting to stem the tide of universal price inflation.

ted playing fields have been extended and

In this number you will find that a start has been made to reintroduce the Regi— mental Gazette. A nominal roll of Regular Royal Dragoons will be found at the end, together with a list of Marriages and Births in the Regiment in the last six months.

K

:3 N

w §

for those less actively inclined, there is a second iron gate in the redecorated Guardroom ! *

i

*

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F :13

S

i F.» S Q"

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t. m (I:

We were delighted to welcome Colonel and Mrs. FitzGerald for a week in June this year. Their visit, which coincided with Waterloo Day, was, from our point of View at least, a great success. We are looking forward to their visit next year. * * a: This Eagle would in no way be complete without a few words about the guardian angel of Eagle Editors, Major Gosling.

His departure is a great loss to everyone but perhaps greatest to the harrassed Editor. I am sure past Editors will join

S 3

h‘

9‘ a.

*

KO

- 4s

.00

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*

Finally, I should like to thank all con— tributors for their timely assistance which has enabled this Eagle to be produced as scheduled. '

Huntin ’ Shootin ’ , Fishin ’

with me in thanking him for his long—suffer— ing help and encouragement and wishing him and Mrs. Gosling the best of luck in the Future.

R

g ...

'45

*

>I=

Congratulations to Sgt. Edwards for captaining the Combined Services B.A.O.R. Football XI; Tpr. Montgomery on his aquatic achievements in the Army Cham— pionships; Lieut. Davies—Cooke on being 8th

in

the

Olympic

Pentathlon, Trials

and to Major P. B. Fielden, 31.0. on his engagement. *

*

*

WOLFENBUTTEL, 1948.

THERE was little of the first of these three, under the heading of sport anyway. Hunts were known to have taken place for binoculars, sheets, staff cars and

the Band practice room (the Tech. staff being particularly interested in the whereabouts of this) but in no case did we see anything resembling what we traditionally associate with hunting. One exception I suppose ; sounds resembling the Post Horn Gallop were reported to have been heard

Readers will notice one or two changes

coming from a disused attic, but the lair

which, alas, have been forced on us by our

was never found, even by the Regimental Signals, whose own lair, only recently discovered during a previous hunt (and then by accident as we were really huntin’ for accommodation stores) contained a highly sensitive locating set.

Enough of hunting. There wasn’t much as you can see. But fishing? Ah, there's more here. Old Isaac Walton and all.

I write this as one of many who thought

financial instability.

For the first time

advertisements, our main source of revenue,

are to be found “ facing matter," to use the technical phrase, and this number is also somewhat shorter than the last one, partly due to economy and partly to the fact that for the first time this bi—annual Journal has only to deal with six months! But while on this topic, I would like to thank the

4

THE

JOI'RNAT.

01‘~

that the season started on 1st April. and ended on 30th September. There are others of course but we don't speak of them.

The fishing ordinance decrees that you can fish in certain waters after 1st April (a little later in certain tidal waters above high water mark) that you must reserve a beat at weekends, that you must never use a worm unless all else fails lit is absolutely verboten to start with one) and that you must never kill a fish under nine inches in length unless you have battered it so much when removing the \VOI‘IIli] mean baitwr that its just a rank bad example to the other fish to put it back. The fishing ordinance is very comprehensive, has caused many to suffer from ‘ game warden glare’ and has rules for everything except ground baiting but I’ve given you the main ones and we won't worry about the others We dry fly chaps greased our lines and tested our top joints late in March so as not . to miss a day. Those who used it) set aerials as rods oiled the joints and renewed the string, holding reels. Came the great day and we set forth. Some were armed with rods and spare rods, reels and spare reels, bags for gear, bags for fish, landing nets and waders. Others were armed with a rod, a reel, a line, a hook and a tin, perforated on top. Some people, not of the fishing fraternity, often expressed astonishment when the lightly armed returned more heavily laden than the heavily armed but. had they seen them in action they would have understood. And there were so many explanations: the heavily armed returned without one of their bags, left on the river

bank; numbers of large but unsporting fish had rejected the bait at the last moment, the lightly armed frequented small ponds where the fish were more concentrated whilst the heavily armed flogged miles of river with a fly which, (‘ItilOllgll treated like a channel swimmer could not remain un—waterlogged for ever. And then there was always the little tin. The lightly armed, anticipating the need for an “ al» ternative " bait, went prepared whilst the heavily armed. realising, late in the day, the need for a less diplomatic approach to the fish, spent hours lifting small stones and hunting elusive grasshoppers. But it was all good fun, especially after we had

’l‘llli

ROYAL

DRAGOOXS

legalised everything by buying a licence and the German fish will have something to talk about long after the occupation.

And now for shooting. Shooting has only just started, for most of us anyway.

There have been reports of ” large " rabbits shot just before 15th September, but one does see extraordinarily large ones out here s» it Hugh! have been true.

There is a shooting ordinance too. This decrees that you can only shoot in certain areas and that you must never cross the frontier even if a covey of partridges, which you have been chasing all day‘, land

in a small patch of beet just on the other side. Other rules are that you may not shoot bare with a .38 revolver, particularly from a moving vehicle; that you only shoot certain species of duck (the exceptions you are expected to recognise at 3o yards in the dusk, which is the only time the

writer usually gets near enough to shoot any duck anyway) and that you must not

'l'Illi

IUIIRNAL

()l‘

T HE

ROYAL

OBITUARY It is with very deep regret that we have to announce the deaths of

ment, stationed at York. During the 1039—45 War he served full time with the A.R.P. in London.

He was a very fine type of cavalry soldier who as l{,S.M. was a good disciplinariaii, but whose tact and courtesy endeared him to all ranks.

Coiirr'ikAL R. LOTT. Cpl. R. Lott was killed in a motor accident on 1st july, 1948. An efficient and popular NCO. who showed great promise. He joined the Regiment in October 1946.

LlliUTrCOLONISI. l’. W. WORMALD, l).S.0.

Lieut-(Zol. If. \V. \Vormald, i).s.o. died

at Mahnesbury in January, 1948 after a long illness. Born in 1860 he first joined the 7th Hussars in 1891, later transferred to the 8th Hussars before succeeding to the command of The Royal Dragoons during the first world war.

In the early days of his soldiering career he served with the 215t Lancers at Oindur— man when he nearly met his death after having broken his sword on the armour of an Emir. He hit the latter over the head with the hilt of his sword and stunned him.

He also saw service in Bechuanaland and South Africa.

His period of command of the. Royals

arm any Germans who accompany you unless you want to be certain of returning with a buck. There are many other rules

was . j

but the most noticeable feature is that

l‘ranee and Belgium.

from 1st October to 13th October you can shoot (at) almost anything except martens— and nobody has ever seen a marten anyway.

There ~. al‘ the ““11 .11.“. ,1. about hiih

commanding officer whose outstanding mili— tary knowledge and fine horsemanship ”15131er _the hIghBSt respect. He. never spared himself and thought of nothing but

wat'i 11:131.?) (the ‘5“; 33%;}: affected Hg“,

the welfare and efficiency of his command.

spent

entirely

.

on

active

, ‘

.

.

.

last year and will, without doubt, surprise

the local forstmeisters, particularly the one, winged by a responsible officer during a recent big shoot.

Nobody knows how they

1 Mk come and where they come from.

He W‘“ an “COMM

CAPTAIN C. E. Capt. (‘_ E Allen died riiary, 1948. Capt. C. ' the Regiment in joined with the Regiment during \Var.

There are a lot of "surprise" a; colds about.

in

schice

ALLEN. on the 14th Feb7 E. (Mick) Allen 1893. He served the South African

He then went to India, with the

Regiment, in 1904, and was promoted S.S.M. and R.S.M. whilst the Regiment was stationed in Lucknow. His next tour again saw him in South Africa, with the Regiment, in 1911. He left the Regiment in 1914 and proceeded home to England.

He joined at the outbreak of the 1914718 War and was later promoted Captain and appointed Adjutant of the Reserve Regi—

It's

“more to the point to know what to do when they put in an appearance.

The

i— answer is__use .AspRov directly the shivery. depressing symptoms begin . \ to afflict you. ‘ASPRO‘ speedily prevents Fhe

-

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fishing too) but there is very little tidal movement on the Oker and this rule is interpreted, freely, to mean the edge of the mud bank.

The season is early yet and few details of ‘bags’ can be. given in this edition.

Many ‘thiiigs’ have already been shot, including a bare which looked like a cat, and many more shot at. There has been an occassioiial relaxation in the rules when a large amount of food is required for a party. The Regiment now has many more dogs than last year and, although not all of them are fully trained we are full of confidence that this year, with more dogs, more guns, more areas and less opposition our record of game will easily beat that of

l)l\’A<i(7(I.\S

3Chm8 Hfurthel'ngress “the cold—500thes awa)’ skin action.

m _. -

sensations and promotes a healthy

thereby helpingtoeliminatethe‘poisons byway Ogfihfiopgizldxlj‘é fat)“ ASPRO save Y %53] TWM

‘ASPR '-“’ BAD COLD AND EAINS BElIEVEIJ

Obtainable from your N.A.A.F.l.

CANTEEN

. writes from London. N.1 1;“! have had a very bad cold In my head and pains In my limbs. I have found ‘ASPRO' have done me the world of

'— Made by ASPRO LIMITED, Slough, 1

good and In future they will be the first thing I will go for."

Bucks

A '

aleruunnl

THE

jOURNAL

()1:

T H 1-:

ROYAL

DRAGUONS

H. R. MORTON A long and distinguished chapter in the records of the Regiment finished when Major H. R. Morton, 111.312., took up his

new appointment at the Apprentices School, Chepstow in August 1948.

I remember having my first Riding School lesson under Sjt. Morton ; he had then been with the Roy als for four years having transferred from The Ixoy al \‘Iarines in 1920. He was an extremely good and ' patient instructor and many Royals became greatly improved horsemen under his eye.

Jumping down the ‘grid' (a series of low irregularly spaced poles) with arms folded and stirrups crossed was one of his favourite methods of suppling his class. This seldom failed to produce rapid and involuntary dismounted action.

After a year at the Equitation School, \Veedon, where he obtained a Special Certificate, he was sent as an instructor to Sandhurst where he " grid—ed " Gentlemen Cadets for three years with first class results.

Sjt. Morton rejoined the Regiment in India in 1930 and soon became S.S.M. of ' A ’ Squadron. He was later made S.S.M. Riding Instructor to the Regiment and celebrated this by becoming Champion Man at Arms in 1932 at Trimulgherry.

His outstanding ability did not allow him to remain long in the Riding School and in December 1932 he was promoted R.S.M. He had always been a most popular member ofthe Serjeants’ Mess and during his period as President, the Mess more than main—

tained its very high reputation.

His strong sense of discipline, powers of leadership and smart appearance made him a first class R.S.M. at a most difficult period. During his five years the Regiment finished its tour in India, spent six months in a tented camp in the desert near Cairo and finally came to rest at Shornclifie with little more than 5090 of its peace time establishment.

In April 1937, he was made Quarter— master and, just over a year later, was faced with the heavy commitments con— sequent upon the Regiment moving to Palestine complete with its full complement of horses. Other problems quickly fol— lowed.

lior two years in Palestine the Regiment was seldom together and constantly on the move. At the end of 1941, we were

‘fiu

.

By Appointment to His Late Majesty King George V.

moved to Cairo and were mechanized, and

ROGERS & CO.

in May 1942 the first Squadron went 11p to the desert while another went in the opposite direction to Syria. Mechanization was not without its bright side for a Quartermaster, who must have heaved a sigh of relief as he handed in the extensive para— phernalia of a horsed regiment and watched a harassed officer known as a Technical Adjutant taking over its mechanical equivalent.

(MILITARY

Sporting and Mufti Tailors Hunting Kit and Breeches Makers Regimental Outfitters to The Royal Dragoons

In August 1942, he left the Regiment in the desert and filled a series of appoint— ments in the Middle East, UK, and the

Netherlands until he finally settled at the B.A.O.R. Training Centre in August 19.15 as Chief Instructor of Administration.

Here his aptitude for teaching, which had been so obvious in his riding—school days, was given full rein and, for nearly two years, he ran a succession of courses with conspicuous

ability.

Here,

too,

O UTFITTERS) LTD.

*

51

Late of 8 New Burlington Street, W.I.

IERMYN

STREET, LONDON,

Telephone: REGent 2740 London.

S.W.1

Telegrams: Rogers, REG. 2740 London.

he

presided over Quartermaster Conventionsv gatherings of 20 or 30 Quartermasters with an average service of some 25 years and each armed to the teeth with obscure and insoluble ‘ Q ’ problems—ordeals from which he emerged triumphant and appar— ently unscathed.

[WM/4am 38

During his tour at the Training Centre he was promoted Major, and in April 1947 he went as QM. to the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, which had by now become our affiliated Yeomanry Regiment. A little more than a year later he was appointed QM. at the Army Apprentices School, Chepstow, a “ plum " job which he had richly earned.

So ends a distinguished career in The Royal Dragoons, but we know that he will not forget or be forgotten by his many friends in the Regiment, and we may indeed be sure that so devoted a Royal will keep up a close association with us. Few have served the Regiment more loyally, and when in due course he leaves this world loaded with honours and (we hope) riches, we may expect to find engraved upon his heart, an Eagle, surmounted by the mystic formula “ G. 1098.”

DOVER

STREET

LONDON. W.

RIDING 8: FIELD BOOTS ,JODHPURS & CHUKKHA BOOTS ALAN

MCAFEE

LTD ‘ 38

Telephone: REGENT I77I

1

DOVER

STREET ' LONDON. W.I.

TelegramsECabIe51AMACMODEL PICCY LONDON

THE

JOURNAL

OF

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

vehicles and afterwards said a few words,

but as his talk to the Regiment on parade was to take place two days later, it was not long before he went down to the saluting base for the drive past. The spacing between vehicles and the uniform swing and dip of the Armoured Car guns in salute was perfect and the Colonel was very impressed.

That evening the Colonel dined in the Mess for Band Night and among other guests was the Brigade Commander Brig—

adie'r W. P. Oliver, (13., 0.13.13.

A pall of

despondency overshadowed as we learnt finally that almost half the Regiment were to go out into the highways and byways because of the German currency exchange at the weekend. However that did not deter us from having a very pleasant evening.

It was eventually decided to hold a Regimental parade on Monday, June zrst, but only HQ. Squadron were available to form up on the square to make a body of troops before which the Colonel could present medals to long—serving W.Os., N.C.Os. and men. There was a march past after the parade and the Colonel inspected the Band once again and con— gratulated them on several fine performances over the period of his visit.

The Colonel talked to many men during his visit and discussed many points of Regimental interest with the Commanding Officer. Perhaps not least was the subject of future Army dress and whether one should wear a greatcoat or British Warm in Arm‘oured Cars. It was decided ultimately by a laconic reply from the Commanding Officer that it: would be a pity to spoil a British Warm and they were wearing very nice new beige ones at Goodwood this year l we were very pleased to see our Colonel and Mrs. FitzGerald and we hope that they will be able to continue their annual visits to the Regiment.

5.

“exigencies

were

The “ Mounted " Parade.

that fatal

unfortunately,

4.

alas,

of the Service ” decided to wreak havoc with the programme.

Colonel and Mrs. FitzGerald arrived on Tuesday, 15th June, and stayed with the Commanding Officer.

On Wednesday, the Colonel inspected the Regiment at work, going round all Squadrons and Departments and spoke to several recruits in the Training Wing.

He inspected the N.A.A.F.I. and \V.V.S. recreation rooms and then went round the cookhouse during the men’s lunch.

The Mounted Parade—as opposed to the dismounted parade to be held later—was alas, only mounted in vehicles and was held on Thursday morning. A composite Squad~ ron commanded by Major M. J. P. Starkey formed up in 3 lines on the Square and made a very fine display. The Colonel inspected the dismounted crews and the

but,

The Band.

ranged but,

Race

3.

Blindfold

away to a slow start and were unplaced.

Mrs. FitzGerald kindly consented to give away the prizes after the sports.

In the evening the Sergeants entertained the Colonel and officers in their Mess where all the silver was on show. The Colonel gave an address to the assembled company.

The following day the Regiment seemed deserted and we were unable to hold the Regimental parade, but, instead, the Colonel went out to visit those of the Regiment on patrol. In the evening the Sergeants Mess held a dance to which again they kindly invited all officers. It was a great success despite the absence of many faces we had expected to see.

" A ” Squadron.

he had last been with us ; but this time we

were especially delighted that he was able to bring Mrs. FitzGerald with him.

An extensive programme had been ar-

“ C " Squadron.

Waterloo Day was, as usual, a holiday in the Regiment and a full account will be found elsewhere. Colonel and Mrs. Fitz— Gerald took part in the Married Families

VISIT OF THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT

THE Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel F. W. Wilson—FitzGerald. D.s.o., M.C., honoured us with a visit over “'aterloo Day this year. It was just twelve months since

I‘LQ. Squadron.

VISIT OF THE COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT

THE THIC

jOURNAI.

01:

WATERLOO DAY, 1948

THE

ROYAL

the morning, except for the few concerned with plans for the morrow. In the after— noon we all gathered on the sports field where we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves watching squadron leaders pushing medicine balls with their heads, SQMSs, crawling under nets and wives urging unwilling and blindfolded husbands to ‘sprint' over a piece of ground a hundred yards long liberally sprinkled with fearsome obstacles.

There were threeelegged races, children's races, :1 tug—of—war, a

five—a—side

HE weather was kind for our annual celebration which, this year, was just

a Regimental occasion and not shared with the Greys as we did last year. It did coincide; however, with the visit of Colonel

and Mrs. \Vilson FitzGerald and they were well to the fore during the afternoons festivities.

The only complication was the fact that the Financial Experts of the Control Commission had decided to change the German currency on June 20th. This meant the issue of orders to Squadron Leaders on V‘Vaterloo Day as certain jolrs had to be done on the 19th and the days festivities had an undercurrent of serious _ business.

“The Day" was observed as a Regi— mental holiday and there was no work in

OF

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

BERLIN 1948 HAVE just returned to England from Berlin, and feel perhaps you might like to hear something about it.

headquarters of the C.C.G., was very intense. A ten hour day, from 9 am. till

However,

7 p.m., was generally needed, and week—

it is no use trying to give you a discourse, as even the little I know would swamp the

ends were not by any means guaranteed.

It is as well to counteract any lingering impression that all members of the Control Commission are idle crooks. Diversions from this routine were weekly quadri— partite meetings, until the Russian ‘walk

Journal.

You will, therefore, have to be

content with a brief, disjointed, personal story.

Since I was A.D.C. to an important civi~ lian member of the Control Commission,

out’, fortnightly visits to the zone, usually

with teams from the Officers, Sgts., Cpls. and Tprs. and a son—side football match

my perspective is rather exalted. We lived in a large, pleasantly furnished house, in the greatest comfort, with 20 German serv— ants obstensibly to obey our every whim : but since Germans are peculiarly uncooperative considerable administrative skill was needed to produce any result. This was an ‘ official residence,’ and many of the numerous and usually interesting visitors to Berlin would come to stay. There were plenty of other pleasant houses in this same

Frankfurt, for meetings, and occasional Visits further afield to such places as Paris.

the ball rarely seen and the 'goalies,' several in number, forced to ask for a transfer through lack of business. \\ hen all events had been run prizes were presented to the winners by Mrs, \Vilson liitzGerald and we all adjourned for tea.

It was an enjoyable afternoon. \l'riting this in October and looking back one remembered Capt. Houstoun, bucket helmet

on head mouthing at an elusive apple; a host of husbands writhing on the ground having failed to avoid a log; spectators running for their lives as the ‘ fifty ' a side footballers surged over the “ frontier " and Colonel and Mrs. \Vilson FitzGerald bring— ing up the rear in the families obstacles race.

In the evening the officers were invited to the Seageants Mess and the sound of the celebrations should have stirred all junior ranks with thoughts of promotion. \Ve certainly had a good evening and rounded off in style yet another ‘ \Vaterloo Day.’

area of the Grunewald, which is a heavily wooded district, dotted with small lakes,

almost detached from the city, and, in comparison, very little damaged.

Entertainment was on a large scale and varied between cocktails, dinner parties and dances: sometimes there were two or three cocktail parties to attend in one even— ing, a programme which eventually began to pall. There are many different national— ities represented, apart from the occupying powers, and each mission frequently had receptions, apart from the mass of private parties. Contact with the Russians was very limited: they only entertained on special occasions, such as Red Army Day, and then they produced the most lavish spread in the (‘ecilienhofl Potsdam, where

the famous conference was held. Our hosts wore their best boots and were most charming. The climax came when everyone filed past to shake hands with Marshal Sokolovsky under an immense battery of search—lights and cine—cameras: solidarity between East and West had been tempor— arily achieved.

Do not be misled into thinking that Berlin was all fun and games. 011 the contrary, work in Lancaster House, the

Hons/07111 and his buckel.

THE

football

where the ground was covered with humans,

Three—legged Rare.

JOURNAL

DRAGOONS

My job, if you will pardon an even more personal excursion, was to try and keep this complicated programme under control, arrange dinner parties, trains and aero— planes, food, drink, servants, when neces—

sary meet guests, (and waiting at Gatow and Tempelhof involved a considerable amount of time) and attend cocktail parties. \\ hen none of this was necessary, there was always a large pile of telegrams in the office on every aspect of the German situation, which were naturally very interesting: and when these failed, German newspapers to read the latest Russian lies and at the same time practise the language, The programme was maintained till early June when the Russian blockade imposed some restrictions: all the lights went out at II p.m., the use of petrol was restricted, and the rations became even duller, includ—

ing our old friend the dried potato. Drink stocks became low and were not replenished, but all these worries were really trivial compared with the restrictions imposed on the German people and to what may happen this winter. We. were al‘le partially to overcome the potato shortage by importing them from the Zone whenever Visits were made. Great was the delight at Gatow when an Anson's nose was opened and three hundred—weight of potatoes fell on the tarmac !

I wish I were still there in many ways, for, in spite of all restrictions and incon‘vcniences that may arise, Berlin will undoubtedly remain a centre of interest and speculation.

THE

JOURNAL

OF

REGIME-NTAL AFTER the wide open spaces of Dedels— dorf airfield, where our Show had been

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS THE

HORSE

JOURNAL

OF

THE

ROYAL

DRAHHHNS

SHOW

The day was concluded with two Gym— khana events the results of which are lost ——

held the last two years, the selection of a suitable piece of ground at \Yolfenbiittel presented a far more serious problem. How— ever we settled finally on a grass patch of rather unpromising appearance just outside the barracks which, much to our surprise

eventually provided two rings and all the subsidiary space required for tents, collecting rings, practice jumps and so forth. As usual, much planning and hard work went into the preparation and so many people were involved that it is impOssible to apportion credit to all who deserve it, though one may perhaps make special mention of S.S.M. Maguire whose enthusiasm and energy seemed inexhaustible.

The Show was held on'July 24th in ideal weather. The first event was Class B and C Jumping confined to German riders and this was won by our own Rz'skov ridden by our German riding-master. Class B and C Jumping for British riders followed in which there were three clear rounds and after a jump-off of the winner was found in R.Q.M.S. O'Connor (HQ. B.A.O.R.) on Pimrh; Rr'skot', ridden by Major GoslinU, was third. Meanwhile a Hack Class was in progress in another ring and here Radian ridden by the Colonel was a clear winner with Emil, ridden side—saddle by Mrs. Gosling, second.

That popular event the luncheon interval was next on the programme and the last buns were still on their way down when the first competitor for the Open Touch and Out Jumping entered the ring. The winner of this proved to be Barleycorn (Major Amory) with the Royal Scots Greys, Vixen and Paddy equal second. So far, we had been almost embarrassingly successful, but we were to receive a severe set—

back in the next event, the Open Team Jumping, when that outstandingly reliable and consistent performer Barleycorn suddenly refused, got mixed up with the fence, and emerged with a badly cut leg which kept him out of action for 2 months. This was a mortal blow to our team and the result was fought out between 22 I..A.A. Regt. and the ‘ Skins,’ with the former the eventual winners.

in the mists of time, but there is no doubt _—_§

that the antics of the competitors were just as popular with the spectators as the efforts of their more serious predecessors earlier in the day. The Band has joined us since last year and played selections through—

Squadron

out the afternoon, the refreshments were

provided on the ground with the able assistance of .\'.A..‘-\.F.l. Many friends were entertained in the Officers' and Sergeants Messes after the Show and we hope that when they finally departed they had enjoyed the day as much as we had.

Running a Show is always a somewhat wearing business, but it is time and effort well spent if it can justifyably be pronounced successful. \Ye presume to think that this one qualified.

Notes

“A” SQUADRON Everything for

#ng3 1

the

Saddles New and Second-hand, own make, and all leading makers. Winter & Summer clothing.

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Not only will you get sterling qual-

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.

-

INCE the last issue of these notes the composition of the Squadron strength has changed almost entirely, and there are few of us now serving who can hark back to the happy days of our 6~1nonth tour with the Berlin garrison. Sgt—Major Butter— worth is still with us, and we heartily congratulate him on the birth of a second son in September, a feat which hasn’t in any way affected his prowess “ on the square.” L/Cpl. Clarke is still coping most ably with the great mass of documentation which daily surges in and out of the Squadron office, and he has developed to a fine art the practice of waylaying the Squadron Leader to “ sign this, Sir, please.” Tpr. Taylor runs an efficient Mfl‘. office with Cpl. Kimble. Tpr. Ldrs. and drivers ap— preciate his guidance in the mysteries of worktickets, logbooks, and mileage returns.

8E0. PARKER (SADDLERS) LIMITED

Only Address

I2

Upper St.

Martin’s

Lane,

We welcome S.Q.M.S. Austen to our fold.

Like all others of his species he gives nothing away, and his sense of economy and finance compares favourably with H.M. Inspector of Taxes. He is assisted in his noble work

LONDON W.C.2 Telephone: Temple Bar ”64 Telegrams : “ Cavesson. Lesquare, London "

by Tpr.

Leese,

our storeman, whose life

is one whirl of laundry bundles, bowls

washing,

cases

binocular

and

the

like;

also by LJ/Cpl. Smith who is the most efficient pay clerk since the days of Murray and Charlesworth (Orderly Room please ignore). This vast machinery runs under the supervision of the second—in-command, who seems to be adept at stopping the QM. and the S.Q.M.S. from getting too angry with each other, though we are told he sometimes loses a few feathers in the pro— cess.

In the field of sport “A” Squadron holds its own. Old Comrades who can recall the 1947/8 soccer season will remember how, in the teeth, as it were, of Class “ A "

release, we wrested the Inter—Squadron Cup from H.Q. Squadron one fair Sunday morning.

At cricket we were not so hot, and lost

most of the few matches played to ” C " Squadron, HQ. Squadron, and (shamefully enough) to the QM. Group. However, Capt. Smith, Tprs. Leese and Brown have done well in the Regtl. side. At the time of writing the following have won their weights in the Regtl. Novices Boxing Championship :#Sgt. Hall (Middle); 2‘x‘14t.

'i‘nic joURXAL or I4

Tlll‘?

JUI'RNAL

()l’

Tllli

ROYAL

and

Roe (Lt. Heavy); and runners upriTpr. Stevens (Bantam) ; Tpr. Hawxwell (Light): Sgt. Phillips (Middle).

We are on the threshold of this season's Regtl. inter-Tp. soccer championships, and expect great things from our four troops.

So far this season the following have played for the Regtl. side 2—Sgt. Edwards, Cpl. Smith, Lj’Cpl. Collins, Tprs. Markey, Tedder, Baker, Egan.

We are sorry to lose Major P. B. Fielden, MC. from being our commander for nearly two years, and wish him every success in his recent staff appointment and incidentally in his forthcoming marriage. Since leaving us, his place has been ably filled by Capt.

Dimond, normally our 2 ic, and we look

forward to seeing Capt. (ireaves back with us again from his duties at HQ. Hanover District.

011 October 13th we lost forty of our members to the newly reformed ” B " Squadron, and had a most successful social evening in the N.A.A.IT.I. as a “ send~off " to them. The Squadron is very comfort~ ably house in a large barrack block on the warmer side of the barracks, and we feel

nicely “ dug in " and fit to withstand the. rigours of another German winter. It was good to see so many ex “ A " Squadron

spite of a tremendous amount of alterations to existing accommodation and the building of new sports fields etc., no word of a move has yet come through, touch wood. ' At the moment the Squadron is in the middle of a lull, having dispatched the first three drafts of trainees back to ” A ” Squadron fully trained. \‘l'e now await the arrival of further drafts next month.

From May to August we were hard at work with as many as 60 trainees in the wings, the training included not only the three trades, but also simple patrols for 24 hours each week ; as the object of these patrols was to teach the recruit how to live in the field, they deservedly were called Boy Scout patrols. However, a lot of fun was had by all. There is the story of one unfortunate trainee who went to collect some eggs to supplement the evening meal, for want of a receptacle to bring them back in he put themin his battledress blouse.

The sequel occurred when we had all re— tired to bed and all the eggs were supposedly inside us. About II o’clock there was an awful yell which on investigation proved to be a very distressed trooper trying to remove two battered eggs from his shirt front.

As a Squadron we have changed little since our last issue; Capt. Carter has left us to become Staff Capt. Q at 31 Bde., where we wish him the best of luck ; in his

he will be remembered well in

the

squadron where he was so popular and where he would have done so well.

Finally to

l)l<.\(}()()NS

IS

H15 last six months have. passed smoothly enough and there have been no great upheavals or other squadron—shaking events, There have, however, been many changes in personnel. Names flash across the nominal roll like drivcn grouse :-——the store— man,

place we welcome Capt. Winstanley. Per— haps our greatest loss of all in the year was S.S.M. Austin, whom we reluctantly let go to “ B " Squadron. His enthusiasm in the Squadron both at work and at games has never wavered since we reformed a year and a half ago, and if the Squadron has done well at anything as we certainly have done, then he was nearly always the force behind it. We wish him the very best of luck in his new squadron. Among the many others who have left in the past year we recall Sgt. Westcott, Cpl. Saunders, Tprs. Mollart, \Vescombe, Thomas, and many others.

At the moment there are a lot of very dis— gruntled faces in the Squadron particularly Lj/Cpl. Pattenden, and Tpr. Taylor. We hope, however, they will realise how im—

portant they are to us in the next three months.

In the field of sport, we have kept our heads above water in everything, in the novices boxing held recently we had three winners. L,’Cpl. Bujko in the bantams, Tpr. Raftrey in the welters, and Tpr. Cooper in the feathers. Lt. Evans has captained the Regtl. Cricket and Hockey teams and Tprs. Simpson and Feilder have played cricket for the Regiment. Sgt. Lineham has played Hockey for the Regi— mental eleven. \Ve were unfortunate enough to sustain our first fatal accident on training this year as Cpl. Lott was killed in a driving accident.

We extend our sympathies to his mother,

those .\'.(7.().s who have gone to ”B" Squadron we wish them the very lest of luck.

nosmmmmN

men at the Old Comrades Social in April;

we extend to you all, and others who have since left us, our very best wishes for success in your various civilian careers, and hope to see you again at the next O.C.A. meeting.

“C” SQUADRON N

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

the

fitter,

the

signaller,

butcher,

baker and candlestick—maker arrive and are gone leaving in their wake one job too many for one man too few.

Fortunately S.S.M. Bayliss invariably pulls another specialist out of the hat and the jobs are done. Major Parkhouse, on being appointed P.R.I., handed over the squadron to Major Massey, who came to the Regiment in July. Capt. Houston went in August to sit on the Jench at the Hambourg \Var Crimes Trials and handed over Squad« ron Second in Command to Capt. Miles.

Both have been paying for it ever since.

2/Lieut.

Morris

took

over

the

MT.

Troop from Capt. Llewellyn in june.

S.Q.M,S. Palmer succeeded S.Q.M.S, Venn in the pay office on the latter’s transfer to “ B ” Squadron. There have been many old and bold and young and eager who have left for demob. Amongst the former are Sgt. Cummings, Sgt. Roberts and L/Cpl. Dryburgh. We wish them all the best of luck in their new occupations.

We were fortunate in having the Colonel of the Regiment visit us for Waterloo Day. There was a Regimental Mounted Parade on 17th June and a Dismounted Parade on 19th June. For the Mounted Parade the Mfl‘. Troop found four 15 cwts. and eight 3 tonners.

Despite the many duties the

Troop had to fulfil and the difficulty in keeping vehicles off the road for the Parade, the vehicles produced were in first class condition, the crews well turned out and

the drive past well executed. The Regi— mental Dismounted Parade was handi— capped by the absence on duty of the sabre Squadrons and became virtually a HQ. Squadron Parade, During the March Past some doubtful marching by the Squadron Leader somewhat puzzled all present including the Squadron! However, the

remainder of the Waterloo Day Celebrations left nothing to be desired.

The Squadron athletic meeting was held on 26 May on the Vllolfenbiittel Sports ground. Competition was keen and we had seen some good events when a heavy storm approached and we had to force the pace in order to get the track events completed. The rest of the meeting was con— cluded two days later on the Regimental Sports Ground. Several of the Squadron athletes did well in the Regimental Sports held on 2nd June, amongst these were Capt. Barker, Lj‘Cpl. Barrington and Tpr. Griffiths.

At Cricket HQ. Squadron supplied most of the Regimental Team which included Capt. Hodgson, Capt. Barker, Capt. Miles, 2/Lieut. Morris, Cpl. Hamilton, Lprls.

Colson and Corfield, Tpr. Ramsden and Bdsrnn. Alcock. In an Inter—Squadron Cricket League we entered two teams, but were robbed of victory by winter arriving before the final could be played.

At Football the Squadron supported the Regimental Team with Tpr. Rockall (goal), Sgt. Stone (Left Bat/e) and Lij1. Wesley (Left Half), who, between them usually managed to keep it up the other end and Tprs. Greaves, L'Cpl. Colson and L,’Cpl. Shipton in the forward line who occasion— ally banged it in. A Squadron Inter—Troop League was won by the Band with Technical Group runners up.

In the water Lieut. Davies—Cooke, Tprs.

Tarry and Montgomery and Boy McNamara swam, dived, floated and occasionally sank for the Regiment.

3 The Novices Boxing has just ended.

There were some excellent fights, in which members of the Squadron acquitted themselves well and we were, perhaps unlucky not to find more of our novices in the finals.

However, Tpr. Burnett won the Featherweight from Tpr. Gilchrist. Sgt. Raynor was runner up in the Light Heavyweights and Lieut. Price was runner up in the \I’elterweight.

There is some good material

Io

rm: jOI’RNAl, or

in the Squadron and we expect to do well in the Inter—Squadron Competition in Nov— ember.

A Squadron Efficiency Ladder has lately been started and every activity of the Squadron will be included. At present the Q.M.’s staff (Section—Leader Sgt. \Veller) head the ladder by a narrow margin from Band III (Section—Leader Llel. Quaife) with Technical I (Section-Leader Sgt. Stone) a close third.

Judging by the number of applications for leave in December, Christmas, though still two months away, is upon us once more ; so we take this opportunity of wishing all members of H.Q. Squadron and the Regiment. past and present, an ‘old fashioned’ Christmas and a ‘bright’ New Year.

TECHNICAL GROUP TO those members of the group that have left us since the last issue, we wish the best of luck in their new surroundings and in turn welcome all those that have joined us.

In the athletic and sporting fields our football teams in the Squadron Troop competition did not distinguish themselves, but we are hoping to uphold our past reputation in the Regiment Inter—Troop League and as we go to press are league champions having defeated " A " Squadron H.Q. Troop 8-1. Meanwhile Sgt. Stone and Tpr. Greaves represent the Regiment in the “A ” and Tpr. Bix in the m'B football teams.

The novices boxing saw Sgt. Raynor fight well to become runner—up in the finals of the light—heavyweight and among promising talent L/Cpl. Stanley, Tpr. Wode and Calcutt should reach the finals next year.

Tpr. Tarry apart from winning the " Throwing the Hammer" at the Regi— mental sports and the Cpl's Mess shooting prize was also in the winning Regimental shooting teams for the B.A.O.R. falling plates and Cpl's. prize and a member of the Regimental swimming team, that were runners—up in the Brigade water polo and team events.

To conclude we were very pleased to see Lieut. Carr—Ellison back again in the pink after a nasty spill and would welcome any suggestions as to how to keep him in the

IMF,

ROYAL

RS ADVERTISEMENT PAGES. , TEL. WHITEHALL 25M.

IlR.\(;tt0NS

saddle, for although on the road at the moment he has to be kept under obser— vation with a “chassis cross-member" cracked.

FORD

ENTERPRISE

mention a few, this started the decline and fall of the troop. However, the Regi-

mental Signals Mr. Cubitt CV Co. still carry on unchanged with their noses to the grindstone.

The sporting side has been very much neglected owing to the great decrease in strength. Nevertheless the troop has taken part in conjunction with other departments and has always managed to keep its head above water.

Early September saw the forming of the new troop. Sgt. Nutton being the first arrival, replacing Sgt. Cotterill. The re mainder of the troop was made up of none other than the invincible Royal Dragoon operators. with the exception of the valuable services of Sigmn. Justice, who was left behind to guide the new operators in their weary task of S.D.S. office. Within a week the new operators Cpl. Hards, L/Cpl. Lawrence etc., were walking around looking very wise and chanting Signal Office jargon with great fluency.

The weird noises which can be heard coming from the top of Hg. Squadron block are not Bhuddists at prayer, but just the rear link operators trying to keep in touch with the outside world. Already the troop has started to seal doors and windows and generally sort out winter woollies against the biting winds which are now sweeping the desolate spaces of VVolfen— biittel. So as the Signal Troop go into hibernation we say ” ROGER OUT " until the spring issue. '

M.T. NOTES

BRITISH

PROSPERITY

"79%;; come

SIGNAL TROOP NOTES HE past half—year has seen many changes in the Signal Troop, in August Sgt. Cotterill left us for civvy street with many regrets and we wish him every success in his new walk of life. He was preceded by such notable worthies as Siginn.

(Fat) Kimber, Laxon and Harvey, just to

F0 R

a lung may Over forty years ago, Ford set out to provide trouble-free motoring. and right from the earliest days Ford has had a unique reputation for reliability and Service Facilities.

To-day there are

Ford Dealers everywhere, with Ford-trained mechanics, Ford

approved methods and low, fixed prices for spares and repairs.

OF CARS

DAGENHAM '

VANS

TRUCKS

TRACTORS

AT THE BOOKSELLER'I A sensible bookseller does not expect you to come.

cashin hand, to ask forprecisely whatyou want,nor to leave immediately you have made a purchase.

For instance, at W. H. Smith & Son‘s Bookshops you can walk around to see what we have, ask us for our help or advice, and take your time If you want to choose a book. We like you to feel

Every day is‘ a sunny day — if your system is clean and clear from poisons. A glass of Eno secs to that, first thing in the morning.

It’s a cheerful drink, itself I '

rfectly at ease. _ ' _ . ‘ IEthere is a branch in your Vicmity, you Will find it a useful shop to know : a place to find good reading and a variety of stationery. and a place where the need of the customer, in or out of the Services. is invariably the first consrderation.

_W. H. SMITH & SON LTD. HE M.T. troop is “ ticking " over, and it is hard to say who ticks the loudest.

However, even in M.T. we appreciate that work is not everything, and it is well

Eno’s ‘Fruit Salt ’

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_

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zla and 3ft: 2 bottle (tax included). lit/48w!

THE

JOURNAL

OF

to note that the troop is well represented on the sports field. L/Cpl. Colson has taken many wickets and scored many goals for the regiment, while Tpr. Rockall has dis— tinguished himself by saving as many.

L/(Zpl. Corfield has been playing consistent— ly for the cricket team, and, during the winter, he has tried his hand at soccer,

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

I7

hockey and rugger. In the only rugger match that has been played so far, Cpl. Lynd and Cpl. Powell both added consider— able weight to the scrum, while Tpr. McLellan proved himself to be a very apt hooker. And finally, Tpr. Burnett is to be congratulated on winning the featherweight medal in the novices boxing competition.

SERGEANTS’ MESS NOTES LTHOUGH “ the accounts are passed Without observation," you vex—Members of the Mess will not let the minutes pass since the last issue without scanning them very closely, and we start by saying that a new record has been made by our being in the same building for over a year. This is the longest time since Shornclitfe. We are quite comfortably 0H and although we are waiting for some much—needed alterations to the Mess, we manage quite nicely, thank you.

There are several new additions to the trophies in the Mess, notably our old Drum— Horse Headdress and “ The Buckley” Boxing Trophy, a large bronze statuette.

When the Silver is on display even the German Staff stick out their chests at sight of the Silver Trumpet and Cigar Box presented by Little Willie.

As we are now nearly 1000/], regulars

Sold by Chemists & Stores Everywhere P. H. GALLOWAY. up.

-they

Quallmd chumlvtl.

LONDON. S.E.11

always do PLAY‘ER'S

NAVY

CUT

CIGARETTES

MEDIUM

0R

MlLD

[Nccszox]

per bottle (lucludlngflvihm In)

"Look what happens when

in the Mess, things are becoming more stable, and it means that we are getting back to the pre—war level and becoming a happy family group.

In the past, it was considered quite the right answer when anyone asked the Sgt-Major for a favour to get the reply “ You will want your Mother soon,” but we have been pleased to see here in Germany the relatives of R.S.M. Morgan, S.S.M. Butterworth, S.S.M. Austin and Sgt. Lee. We are confident they enjoyed their stay and they gave the Mess a good chit before sailing for home.

Dances,

you end D RY SCALP! Two pictures of the same chap? Nonsense, she’s not dumb enough to believe that! Just look at that Dry Sealponthe left! An. untidy, lifeless head of hair, if ever there was one.

There’s dandruff showing at the aru'ng, and quite a few its on ' ' too. His scalp is certainly short of natural oils.

‘-f/Ie three _ . .2 _ I

.

Yes, it’s the same fellow all right, but what a different girl! He's lost Dry Scalp and dandrufi.

Thanks to ‘Vaseline'

3‘?“ teams a

au- 00 e y, well dressed. one’s given him the a gentle massage ‘Vaselinc’ '

o\\ _

my, ometip—with ‘

every d:y. H' es 611% 1: workswondenl

.

Vasugline HAIR TONIC The Dressing that Elude-Dry Scalp

I my

Ask for i! at your NAAFI

Sergeauis’ Mrss Silver.

CAD-BURYS- Chocolate

whist

drives,

race—games

and

socials have continued throughout the summer months. Sometimes our own Band provided the music and other times a local band. The Saturday weekly dance com— mences with ” Saturday night is the lone— liest night of the week " and finishes with

18

THE

JOURNAL

Ol"

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS THE

" Give me five minutes more \Ve have some splendid dance exhibitionists, featuring special turns such as the “Dance Arabe " (starring Charles Palmer and any unsuspecting partner). ”The Clarinet Polka (with Tara and Mrs. Morgan) and the classic “ Conga ” (Flat Foot Floogie Spread— bury and his P.T. squad).

The German Band once had an outstand» ing trombone player who spent most of his time laughing at the turns provided until one night the chain broke in a “ Paul Jones " and someone crashed into the band, knocking his trombone into the open mouth of the laughing player. For the remainder of the evening he was like an advertisement for a popular brand of toothpaste.

These notes would not be complete without congratulations to Major H. R. Morton, on his appointment to the Technical

School at Chepstow.

Many ex—Members

and present Members of the Mess will remember his outstanding success as R.S.M. and we wish him and Mrs. Morton every happiness.

We congratulate Sgt. Rapkin, Sgt. Cum— mings, Sgt. James, Sgt. Hall and Sgt. Perry on getting married. Sgt. “ Skip” Edwards on captaining the B.A.O.R. foot— ball team for the second year in succession.

M. Q. M. S. CosgrOVe, S. S. M. Bayliss, Sgt. Johnson (ex Royal), S. Q. M. S. Austin, Sgts Fooks and Ostrowski on joining the Regi— ment and the Mess. Sgt. Brennan and Sgt. Jones on winning their events in the Brigade Swimming Sports. Sgt. Linehan and Sgt. Hallon winning their weights, and Sgt. Phillips and Sgt. Raynor, runners—up, in the Novices Boxing.

The Tug-of—VV’ar team (wholly composed of Members of the Mess) who helped to win the Athletic Shield competed for by The Royals, The Greys, and R.A.C. Training Centre.

Sgts.

Slade,

Edwards,

Hall,

Brennan, de Bruen and QM. SI. McNallV on their placings1n the Regimental Athletics.

The Bandmaster, Mr. Trythall, and Sgt. Slade for their outstanding report by an Army Band Inspectorate R.Q.M..S Old, Q M. S. Kelly, T. Q M. S. Hill and Sgt. Slade . on being presented with Long SerVice and Good Conduct medals by the Colonel of the Regiment. T.Q.M.S. Hill on his longer and wider waistbelt. The Main Gate Sentry who saluted the German driver who pinched the C.O.'s Staff car.

The Outstanding event of the season was

the visit of the Colonel of the Regiment, Col. F. \V‘. \Vilson—FitzGerald, D.S.O.. M.C. We were pleased to see Mrs. VV'ilson—Fitz— Gerald accompany him this time. Luckily the visit was timed to coincide with \V'ater— loo Day celebrations, but less fortunate was the fact that this also coincided with the change in German currency. This meant that many Members of the Mess were detached on duty supervising the exchange and keeping Law and Order. We are sure the ‘Old Duke' would not have allowed this to interfere with such an event.

In spite of this the programme as arranged was carried out very successfully. The Colonel

and

Mrs.

FitzGerald,

with

the

Commanding Officer, senior Officers and their wives attended a Social in the Mess,

and the talk given by the Colonel of the Regiment was much appreciated.

On Waterloo Day a dance was held, officers and their wives being invited. All guests were much impressed by our buffet.

This is hard to describe, but thanks are due

to Sgt. Cummings and his staff for this fine feed. The recipes for these buffets comes from experience of many lands, and anyone who has attended our functions will know how famous we are becoming for our scoffs.

The Mess was very well entertained by the Mess of the 11th Hussars for a whole weekend. All who attended gave high praise for the fine time and the spirit of the 11th to the Royals. We would like to thank Mr.

Hudson,

R.S.M.

of the 11th,

and Members of their Mess for a Royal time.

We have also had a pleasant Games Night with the Corporals of the Regiment, even though some had a Monday morning feeling on the Saturday. \Ve would like to remind ex—Members that we don't get enough letters or news of them to satisfy us, so will they please

send the President any griff which we can then publish for the interest of all our old friends.

As an example, we recently heard from Lofty Farrow in Australia, who is doing well in Sydney, and now styles himself the " Farthest Flung Royal ” Ginger Smith in Pernambuco has got a pub on the right as you go out and would like to see some old Royals drop in.

It is with much regret that we close these Notes with news of the retirement of Major and Mrs. E. F. Gosling from active life in the Regiment. Their absence from our

JOURNAL

()l“

circles will be very much missed and we all

THE

ROYAL

DRAGHONS

19

extend to them our sincere Wishes for their future.

impossible to photograph the whole of the silver on one plate.

One of the latest additions is the case of

SERGEANTS MESS SILVER. The photograph of the Mess Silver will be of interest to all ex—Members. Owing to the geography of the Ante—Room it was

presented by his Sisters. The mounting of them was arranged by the Colonel of the Regiment, and they can be seen on the right of the centre showcase.

medals of the late SHSM Seaton, D.C.1\I.,

THE IT has become very evident, by the re-

BAND

contribution for the next publication of The Eagle is now due.

After attempting to cover many years

with Colours flying, expecting to arrive in plenty of time before the V.I.P.’s plane landed.

At the approach to the aerodrome the guard commander was literally horrified

in our last preamble, we now find that

to perceive the V.I:P.’s ‘kite’ skimming

covering a period of six months, is, to quote a musical expression, " Just up our Street.”

Twelve long months have now elapsed since we were reunited with The Regiment and ‘we have really settled in. We say

beautifully on to the tarmac run-way.

(Chad then appeared over the nearby wall and remarked “Wot! No Band”) Somebody else remarked “ Wouldn't it 'be funny. if it was the Old Boy arriving— “ IT WAS." Up went the balloon and everyone from The Colonel to the smallest Band Boy flapped. Conflicting orders filled the air :—

minders

we

have received,

that our

“ settled in,” but that is to put it mildly, as,

judging from the attendance at H.Q. parades and sports events, we ought to have the word “BAND" embossed on Squadron Orders.

During the past months we have per— formed at quite a number of functions and parades in various parts of the Zone and, needless to say, have given a good account of ourselves, in spite of the fact that many of the long distances have been done in the very luxurious rear of a three tonner. Many of the members are still puzzled by the fact that other entertaining bodies such as football teams,

live shows etc.,

(perhaps

we are not alive) travel the length and breadth of B.A.O.R. in “ Slumberland Coaches” which certainly appear a little more dignified. However,-perhaps the day is not far off when we too will travel in like comfort.

A most amusing incidento ccurred recently at Bucketurg Airfield, which is worth recalling.

The parade was a Guard of Honour for a V.I..P namely the Army Commander.

The Guard of Honour was formed from ‘ The Skins " and we supplied the musical honours. The entire Guard assembled at Minden and was duly rehearsed. After rehearsal we set off in convoy for the air— field (again in the inevitable three tonners)

” Get out of those B . . . . lorries," “ Don’t

move," “ Keep out of sight,” Hide behind the lorries,” “ This way the band,” “ Form up here etc., And so after a fifty yard

mad dash across a muddy patch of ground we formed up in traditional style and managed to summon up enough wind and courage to play the General Salute just as the G.O.C. appeared around the corner of the airfield buildings.

Marching off parade after the ceremony even the Band Sgt., had not quite recovered himself and gave a very smart “ eyes left " for “ eyes right ” to the huge R.S.M. of “ The Skins," who looked as smart as any Colonel.

Four or five journeys have been made to Hamburg for broadcasting purposes and on two occasions we amalgamated with the bands of The Royal Scots Greys and The Hamburg Police Band; programmes being relayed from the Planten 11nd Blomen Park. The general ensemble was much appreciated by the German'public.

Whilst on the subject of broadcasting we feel that the following letter received after one of our broadcasts with the BBC. some time ago is well worth publishing.

20

THE

JOURNAL

OI“

It was written by an old soldier from Dublin who, as will be noticed, was born in the

Army and whose heart. soul and spirit still remains with the Service.

24th July, 1947.

Sir, “hat a pleasant half—hour you and your band gave me listening to the rhythm of marchesfiplayed in grand style on Wednes— day morning the 23rd instant.

The First Royal Dragoons are always in my memory and what a splendid Regi— ment.

I remember them in Dublin (many years gone bye, and now to think (never again) to see them. (Those were the days.)

All Old British Army Soldiers do not forget their passing.

Every time I pass the “ Island Bridge ” Barracks The Roy al Dragoons flashes into my mind and I feel broken down.

And the same feeling applies to all the British Barracks in Ireland.

You see, when you were born in The British Army. what else could you expect.

SO if my body was handed over my spirit

THE

ROYAL

.THE renowmc SERVICE "

DRAGOUN S

FIRMS supponr JOURNALS

Inter Iioop League and we hope to show 1 clean pai1 of heels. It is \ery glatlfymg to see so many of the lads partaking in Regimental games and it seems that “ Gus ” Shipton is a tower of strength in the first Hearty congratulations to LgCypl. and Mrs. Shipton, Bdsm. and Mrs. Mountifield on the birth of a son, also to Bdsm. and Mrs. Kerr, a daughter. \\'e are sorry to see two of our older membeis retuining to Civilian life after giving good senice to the band and hope that 10111 Look and Hemy Potter will settle down and flourish in their new sur— roundings. .A newcomer to our ranks is “Paddy Majury," as solo cornet, and we extend a hearty welcome to him and trust that his stay will be a long and happy one. “ 'Wee Harry " Smith is one of the new Band—Boys (if you can see him) and a bright

lad

too,

in

spite

of his

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MANUFACTURERS OF

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We hope that his brother Alan is just as keen, as he has recently enlisted but is ineligible owing to age to join 11s in B.A.O.R.

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. To me the Radio is my real life. It keeps me in touch with Military Bands and though I date back to September 1869, I try to forget it, and keep in step with You and Your Boys until I have to sign off for good. At present I am not dreaming of it.

Thanking you and your Bandsmen for that programme (as Tommy Handley's girl says, " It keeps me going”) Please forgive the liberty takenel give no address as I think it is making too free.

From an Old British Army Soldier, born in The 58th Regiment of Footvnow the 2nd Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment.

Kind legards and best of Good Luck.

Szgazed:_\I.1\I.

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\Ve offer congratulations to our various sporting members and teams who won the recent “ Potted " Sports in fine style, also the HQ. Inter—departmental Football League. It is only fair to say that our team included the following players from other departments who were linked up with us.

L,1'Cpl. Barrington. P.T.; Tpr. Haines.

Officers Mess; L/Cpl. Donald, Education Branch and Tpr. Smith, Sgts. Mess.

Great hopes are held for the forthcoming

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V CE NEW PAPERS ADVER . AMES’S. S. .1.

TE "35"!"

THIS

jOl,’ RNAL

()1:

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOUNS

Stable News HIS has been a busy year for the Stables, and few week—ends have gone by with— out the Regiment being represented in one horse show or another, either International BAOR, or a local German show. In all,

the Regiment has taken part in 26 different shows. or Gymkhanas throughout the season. We can also Claim to have been represented in every European International Show for which BAOR competed.

Undoubtedly the chief honours go to that grand old veteran Bar/atom, who, in spite of his twenty years, has achieved some very fine performances. He has been ridden consistently by Major Amory throughout the year, who took him to the Royal Tournament where he was very unlucky not to win the King George V. Cup. Had it not been for the fact that the old horse is somewhat handicapped by his age in competitions in which time is an all important factor, he would no doubt

have gained far more prizes. We are very sorry to lose him, as he is being transferred to the 3rd Hussars almost at once, with whom we wish him further successes.

An‘ outstanding factor has been the improvement and success gained by Peso/m, a small chestnut gelding of 15.2 hands, who has been well ridden by Lieut Cubitt.

He is a most gallant little horse, who always puts everything into his jumping. Had it not been for an unlucky injury to his shoulder in the French Zone, where he won the ” Prix de la Marne " at Neustadt,

he would have undoubtedly been to the fore in other shows. We hope he will jump even better next year.

Mention must be made of Herr Heine, our Reitmeister, to whom great credit is due for all the hard work he has done in schooling and in the Stables themselves.

Horses have always been turned out well, and we have been lucky in having some

No one but you owns Naafi . . . No one but you. the Service man or woman, benefits from Naafi facilities or Naafi profits!

Naafi is the means by which the Forces buy wholesale, to sell to the Forces retail, retaining for the Forces all surpluses!

Help yourself by patronizing Naafi.

The Official Canteen Orgcnization for H.M. Forces

RUXLVEY

TOWERS

-

CLAYGATE~

-

ESHER

SURREY JIajor Ame/(v on Barleycorn.

Tllli 'l'lll;

jol'RNAl.

(11'

1‘11 l'.

Ix‘UYAl

jUUIIXAI.

(71“

Tllli

I<I ) YAI.

DRAGOON S

le‘AHUHNS

Alfnjor Gosling on (Mazda.

Limit. (II/bit! on Past/m.

Usual rider;

No. of times' entered.

Placed.

1st.

Iv Ul b. \1

18 Maj. Amory.

Barleycorn 25 Maj. Gosling.

Cascada 19 Lt. Cubitt.

Pascha 28 Maj. Amory.

George 50 Lt. Cubitt.

Boxer 21 Mrs. Gosling.

Emil 21 Maj. Gosling.

Riskov Radian 7 J, This article would not be complete without mention of Major and Mrs. Gosling who are leaving the Regiment in a few days.

They will be sadly missed not only by all H\]-5—-Lu\7 4.. N

The Stables include six horses which have been kept for beginners, and full use has been made of these this summer. We are now busy converting a garage into a small riding school in the Barracks, and this should prove invaluable in the winter months. As a result there should to more people riding in horse shows next year.

not jump as well for Major Gosling as year, but it was very satisfactory to see jumping better again towards the end the season. Mrs. Gosling has had

considerable success with Emil, on whom

and Hack Classes. \Ve wish both Major and “ la dame qui parle Francais,” as Mrs. Gosling became known at an international show this year, the very best of luck on their return to England.

she has won several Best Trained Horse

Iv Lu U1

Individual horse shows are too numerous to mention in detail. However a HQ. B.A.O.R. show held in the riding school at Hereford in July is worthy of record.

Here Riskot', ridden by Major Starkey, won the Class B Jumping, and then tied for the first place in the open with Bar/ey— com, ridden by Major Armory. At the Hanover District Show at Celle, Major Gosling on Casada, Major Amory on George and Lieut. Cubitt on Past/zawon the Open Team Competition, Also Lieut. 'Cubitt on Pasclm was third in the Open B.S.].A.,with 2 faults. .

The following table shows how individual horses have performed throughout the season.

N ame of horse.

good German grooms who have taken a pride in this work.

did last her of

ranks, but also by all connected with the

Stables, and the horses in them.

Cnsmda

SPORTING IN the last edition of Sporting Life about 'the only sport not included appears to be marbles, and though, so I am told, they now broadcast the All—England marbles championship, I take the liberty of continuing to exclude it. But you will find also in this numlter of The Eaglr that most \Vinter games are also excluded. This is partly because these notes are l‘eing written at the end of the Summer, albeit :1 \\'intry one, and partly because all our

hockey and rugger enthusiasts could pos— sibly say is that we are going to have a jolly good team in the coming season and we’ve

LIFE

started well by beating the local CCG. 20—0 or 125—0 as the case may be.

Nevertheless

we

include

some

ski—ing

notes as it takes the skiers a long time to thaw out and write anything at all; and also football notes-a game which according to many thousands of supporters is spoilt because it is not played in June and July as well.

But it is hoped by excluding some sports to be able to give a more detailed account of others in their season and at all events we will try to give a complete picture of whatever we write about.

THE

JOURNAL

OF

THE

ROYAL

NT PAGES. HALL 2504. ‘

DRAGOONS

ATHLETICS

S:

n1x ¥,x

I

’i‘h

Back Row : Tpr. Tarry, Tpr. Griffiths, Tpr. Osinski, Tpr. Mitchell, Tpr. Brown Centre Row : Q.M.S.I. MCNally, Tpr. King, Tpr. Clarke, Tpr. \Vhittaker, Sgt. Slade, L/Cpl. Sheppard, Bdsm.

Kerr, L/Cpl. Barrington.

Front Row : Capt. Houstoun, Lieut. Soltan, Capt. Dimoud, Capt. Barker, Lieut. Bucknall, Sgt. Edwards, Lieut.

Evans.

UNDER the inspiration and leadership

of Q.M.S.I. McNally the Regiment according to its resources, had an unusually successful athletics season.

After each Squadron had run their own potted sports and eliminating heats a Regimental Sports meeting was held on June 2nd. This was designed to select a team for an Athletics match at the R.A.C. Training Centre and later for the Brigade Inter—Unit Meeting. It proved a most enjoyable afternoon and though there were no outstanding performances the combined results gave us every reason for hope, if no grounds for complacency. Mrs. W. T. Miles kindly consented to give away the prizes to the individual winners.

On 9th June, the team went up to Belsen for the triangular meeting against the Greys and the R.A.C.'l‘.C. We hoped to reverse last year's result when we were defeated by the R.A.C.T.C. The meeting was extremely well organised and the weather was perfect!if anything too hot. We got away to a good start by winning the High Jump and the Tug—of— War in two straight pulls. Among other

events which we won were the Long Jump, 800 metres, I600 metres and the Javelin.

Our shortcomings were undoubtedly throwing things and the shorter relay races. Nevertheless, we won by a com— fortable margin and were presented with a shield for which we shall run a similar meeting next year, though without the

Cigarette bax (:ize j} x 3:} x 2 ML), Cigarette rare (:ize if x 3} int.) and parked [fighter

V/R'OW’I

lte

R.A.C.T.C., which is disbanding.

Owing to heavy entries, heats had to be CO/[QC’ROW

Ofg£fls

In

CAI/Verl-oare

run in the Brigade Inter—Unit Athletics’ Meeting and

the

Regiment

was drawn

against the three strongest teams, 3 R.H.A.,

Ox and Bucks and Camp Hanover District, while the Greys and R.A.C.T.C. were the best in the other heat. Again it was the relays and our inability to throw which let us down and we only just scraped into the final on June 16th.

In the final we had a fair share of luck.

Even had we had more we could not have finished anywhere but 3rd, as we did, and

it was only by everyone in the team giving of their best that that was achieved. It was in no way an unsatisfactory result in the light of the manpower position in the respective units.

o/ist/ayecj at

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A special mention must be made of our

' Second to None '

sooo metre team and our 1500 metre team

GREYS

led by Lieut. Evans which finished 2nd and Ist respectively, by a line show of stamina and perseverance, but little training. In the field events the most notable performances were in the Hop, Skip and jump

CIGARETTES

’l lll",

ROYAL

“RAHHUNS

.15

when our team beat allcomers by over six feet and Capt. Dimend cleared 40 feet.

Capt. Barker, Lieut. Evans and 2/‘l.icut.

Brewster took part in the B.A.O.R. In— dividual Championship, but only came away with one endgin the High Jump.

Just honest-to-goodness RESULTS or ’l'llli

tobacco Plainorcork-tipped ‘ Greys" will always appeal to those

100 metres 200 metres 400 metres

’

Capt. Barker, Capt. Dimond, 800 metres MC. Sheppard, 1500 metres ’l‘pr. King, 3000 metres Lieut. Evans, Hammer Cpl. Tarl‘y.

Javelin 'l‘pr. Griffiths, Hop Skip & Jump QMSI McNally, Shot Sgt. Edwards, Long Jump Lieut. Soltan, Discus 'l‘pr. Thomas, High J ump Capt. Barker,

smokers who ask of a cigarette that it shall be pleasant and satisfying

15 for 2/7‘7

"HIE MATCH FOR m BRITISH FORCES BRITISH MADE BY BRYANTa MAY

’l‘pr. 'l‘edder,

RIaoiMicN‘rAI. A'rnria’rn‘s

Capt. Barker, 'l‘pr. Mitchell, 'l‘pr. Griffith, Tpr. Titmarsh Capt. Miles, L/C. Sheppard, Sgt. de Bruin L/‘C. Barrington, Capt. Dimond, SQMS Brennan, Capt. Barker, Sgt. Edwards, ’l‘pr. Griffiths,

l\‘li«;ic'i'1.\‘r;.

Lieut. Soltan A" Sgt. lidwards 12 secs QMSI. McNally 144/5. secs.

Bdm. Kerr 56 secs.

2 min. 2945 secs. 'l‘pr. Osinski 5 min. 16 secs.

Tpr. King 18 min. 9 secs.

55 ft. 3 ins.

Sgt. Finch 126 ft. Io ins. 'l‘pr. Thomas 37 ft.

Tpr. Kurpiewski 35 ft. 5;} ins.

Sgt. Slade 18 ft. 3 ins.

R6 ft. 7.:- ins.

Sgt. Hall Tpr. 'l‘eddcr 5 ft. 3, ins.

.»<;\

ISSUED

Bjflco‘orm

PHILLIPS:

LTD.

CRICKET

A NASTY REAT enthusiasm was shown in the regiment this year and in spite of varied success. a great deal of pleasure and amusement was gained by all who partici— pated in Regimental and Squadron cricket.

Many of us will remember Major Masseys memorable feat of personally scoring 45 out of 60 runs needed by his team to defeat HQ. “ A”, when he had only 2 wickets in hand and the light was so bad that the fielders could not see the ball. Whether as Major Massey is reputed to have said ‘1 can only see the ball when it is dark’ is true or not, it was a remarkable perform— ancc, and portrays the enthusiasm shown in Squadron cricket.

The. regimental team had an enjoyable season, on the credit side we can say we were runners up in the Brigade League, and on the debit side we can say we lost as many matches as we won It is so easy to say that if we had had a full team for this or that match we might have won, but I am sure that this year above all

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sarily weak teams; the classic example

being at Ncinburg against 241 Petrol depot when we had to field 3 drivers and the scorer.

In the B.A.O.l{. knock out competition, we were well and truly knocked out by The Sherwood Foresters in the first round apparently because the regimental Batsmen could not amass a score of 70 runs, however, this total was exceeded several times in the season. We had to put up with a variety of wickets from our own, which was

probably the most dangerous encountered in the season, to that of the Helmstedt Flowers which was 6 feet too long, and was of the consistency of a wet sponge, and where a good cow shot to mid wicket placed the ball in the Russian zone. Capt.

Hodgson heads the bowling and batting averages, and Sgt. Slade and L. fCol. Colson were the runners up in these averages. ll Sgt. Slade had not been playing football at the end of the season, then he almost certainly would have ousted Captain Hodgson from the top of the bowling, as he had a most

successful start to the season. Lieut. Morris was the only member of the team to score 50 in the season though Lq'Cpl. Colson was

rm; jOL'RNAI. or

26

THE

ROYAL

lHQAthUXS

Tllli

near to it on more than one occasion, and

Tpr. Leese, Tpr. Eagau, Tpr. Hood.

Capt. Miles and Capt. Smith were all close.

Unfortunately we tried to organise a Squadron competition too late and before a result could be determined, the early nights were on us and the bulldozers arrived to convert our pitch into a hockey ground.

The results to date, were “ C ” Squadron beat ”A” Squadron in a very close I wicket finish and HQ. "B" beat HQ .A” as I have already mentioned. To close we, hope that next year we shall be, able to turn out a more regular side. The Team was : Lieut.

Evans (Capt.), Capt. Hodgson, Capt. Smith,

R1:sr1.rs. WoN. '. 12o HQ. (KCG. by to wickets. '. Foresters by 28 runs. '. 5 B.A.D. \valkover. '. 5 R.H.;\. by 20 runs. '. 229 HHQ C.C.G. won by 35 runs. '. H.Q. Hanover District won by 50 runs. v. Helmstedt Flowers won by 2 wickets.

Losr. v. Foresters by 48 runs. v. R.:\.C. T.C. by 5 wickets.

Capt.

Miles,

Lieut.

Morris,

Sgt.

Slade,

Cpl. Hamilton, L./'Cpl. Colson, L.;’Cpl. Cor— field, Tpr. Brown, Bsm. .Allcock (wkt.), scorer, Tpr. VVescombe.

Also played, Maj. Parkhouse, Capt. \V’instanley, Lieut. Price, S./Sgt. Skirrow,

v. 241 Petrol depot by 3o runs.

v. HQ. 31 Bde. by 6 wickets. v. The Greys by 5 runs. v. 229 HQ. C.C.G. by 15 runs.

V. 2 G.S. O.R.D. depot by 42 runs.

DRAWN. 52 C.R.E. rain stopped play.

FOOTBALL THE football season is with us again and it is a pleasure to be able to write about football in the correct season. Invariably one is asked to write the notes at an entirely different time.

Actually we have played quite a fair amount of football even during the summer and we have found that it has kept the team going extremely well.

Until recently we have had little opportu— nity of being able to play other British Units due to our location but we are hoping that with the recent changes that we shall now be able to take part in 3,1 Bde. League.

Many matches have been played against

German teams and it must be admitted that they take their football very seriously indeed and although we play them both at home and away they ensure that when playing before their own crowds that they are extremely‘ well represented.

In the town of Wolfenbiittel are several German teams. In our first match we were very heavily defeated by 8 goals to 2 but we later avenged this defeat by beating them in the return game by 5 goals to 3. We also played what was reputed to be the best side in Vt'olfenbt'ittel and eventually we emerged victors by one solitary goal.

In this game our opponents certainly played far better constructive football than our team but when in front of goal they seemed

to crack under our defence and amidst great excitement we eventually won.

During the season it was arranged that the Regimental team should go to the town of Einbeck to play the local combined team at the start of their Gala week. Einbeck is approximately one and half hours by road through extremely picturesque country, near the Hartz mountains. After a very pleasant journey we eventually arrived at the town where it was obvious that the local people were determined to make a great show of the game.

The game had been arranged by the local K.R.O. who was very interested in football and added still further to the interest by refereeing the game.

They had produced an extremely fine team and almost as soon as the game commenced it was obvious that if we were going to win we should have to play far better than we had played before. The game was played throughout at an extremely fast pace and it proved that they were far too strong for us and we were very badly beaten by 7 goals to nil. About 5 members of the team had been inoculated the previous day and whether this had something to do with the lack of team work it would be very difficult to know but it was obvious that we were not in the same class as Einbeck. How— ever it was a very clean and sporting game

JOI'RNAL

OF

played before a packed crowd, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

After the game the team was invited by the K.R.O. to have dinner with the German team and a very excellent meal was provided as the result of some expert markmanship by the K.R.O. in shooting some deer. After a most pleasant day the team returned to \Volfenbiittel beaten but in most excellent mood. We should like to take this opportu— nity of thanking the K.R.O. and the members of the Sports Club of Einbeck for a most enjoyable time.

Here are some of the results of matches played against German teams within the last few weeks :77

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOUNS

127

no mistake with this kick and half time arrived with the Royals leading by one goal.

In the second half play was rather scrappy due no doubt to the wind and also in our team we had a number of players who had not taken part in a cup match previously and nerves were obviously affecting good play.

However from an excellent pass by L./Cpl. Shipton to our outside right L./Cpl. Colson, the latter made a quick run for goal and we were all pleased to see the ball hit the back of the net for the second goal. About five minutes later we were awarded another penalty but this time Sgt. Edwards shot wide and the eventual score was Royals 2,

(33 Coy. nil.

We are now drawn against the

winners of the Oxs. and Bucks. and the 3

”A” TEAM. Royals 2.

Royals 5.

Royals II. Royals 12.

Goslar 2. Away.

Bad Hartsburg 4. Away.

Goslar Nil. Home.

Benthum 1. Home

_” B ” TEAM. Royals Nil. Royals 5.

Kissenbruck Nil. Away.

Wolfenbtittel Nil. Home.

The Regiment has entered for the Army Cup and also for the B.A.O.R. Cup. It is also hoped that the Cavalry Cup will be competed for this season.

We have already played one match in the preliminary round of the Army Cup when we entertained 63 Coy. R.A.S.C. of the Para.

Bde. This was played at \Volfenbtittel on Thursday, 50 September, 48, and we event— ually finished victorious by two clear goals.

A very high wind was blowing when the game commenced and was slightly in our favour. Sgt. Edwards winning the toss decided to play with the slight advantage although it was obvious that ball control was going to be extremely difficult. The game had only been in progress for a approxis mate ten minutes when the referee awarded a penalty against us for ”hands”. This was rather disheartening and it was a great sign of relief that we saw Tpr. Rockall bring off a most excellent save to give our oppo— nents a “ corner.” Play was from end to end with defences rather on top and it was due to the great showing by Sgt. Edwards at centre half that we kept our opponents from scoring. Just before half time we were awarded a penalty and Sgt. Edwards made

Para. Bn. on their ground and this match has to be played before 27 October.

The following team represented the Regi— ment in this game :ngr. Rockall; Tpr. Baker, Sgt. Stone; Tpr. Markey, Sgt. Edwards (Capt), Tpr. \Vesley, l,./Cpl. Colson, Cpl. Smith, Tpr. Raftery, L./Cpl. Shipton, Tpr. Andrews.

At the commencement of the season it was agreed that with a View to obtaining the best talent that we should concentrate on a young team and this has proved most invaluable. 'We should like very much to thank all the older men that we have now left out of our team but we are sure that they will agree that for a long term policy we must concentrate on young regular soldiers for our footballers of the future.

We should like to take this opportunity of congratulating Sgt. Edwards on having been selected to Captain the Combined Services Team of the B.A.O.R. which visited Holland in September, and beat the Belgian

team by four clear goals. Prior to the B.A.O.R. team proceeding to Holland it was arranged that our Regimental team should give them a practise game and it was indeed very creditable to the Regimental side that we were only beaten by 2 goals and that with Sgt. Edwards playing for B..A.O.R. \Ve close now but sincerely hope that in our next issue we shall be able to record some more victories in Cup and League games.

Information has just been received that our very popular team captain Sgt. Edwards has decided to remain in the Army and we thank him very much for all that he has done and hope that he has many playing years in front of him still.

TH l5

_] OURNAL

OF

TH li

ROYAL

'l‘llli

DRAGOONS

\lUl'RNAl.

()1?

On the whole the season has been very

MODERN

PENTATHLON

The Modern Pentathlon Championships of Great Britain, were held at Aldershot

and Camberley, from 20-24 April inclusive, this year.

In

Ancient

Greece

the

Pentathlon,

or

contest of five events was the most important feature of the Ancient Olympic Games, and the winner, who had to compete in all events,

was declared the Victor of the Games.

It was not until the V Olympiad of the present series that a Modern Pentathlon competition was included for the first time at Stockholm, in 1912. The Committee desired to include in the Games a Competi— tion which would embody all the qualities of a Modern Sportsman. In this competition the athlete is required to ride a horse across country, fence with the épée, shoot with a

pistol in a practice requiring the greatest

satisfactory, though there is still‘a lot of room for improvement.

Falling Plates team consisted of the

The training was hard and a typical day's programme read something like this: 0900—1000 Shooting 1000—1100 Running I 100-1200 Swimming Lunch.

1400-1530 Riding 1530—1630 Fencing 1630—1700 Swimming

HEN the last Eagle went to press, hopes were high for a good seasons skiing in the Hartz. In this we were disappointed, for the snow virtually disappeared just when it should have begun to improve.

The climax was, of course, the competition

A few of us were lucky, however, and left

on the 20 April, when 52 competitors from all arms of the Services assembled at the

for Austria in mid-January to train for the B.A.O.R. Team Races. The Regiment's representatives from whom a team of four was to be chosen were: Captain A. B. Houston, i\1.c., L/Cpl. Ostrowski and 'l‘prs.

Old Building, Sandhurst, and pitted their

wits and strength against each other for five days. .

The results of this competition were :—~ Ist—L./Cpl. Martin, A. 5th DC. 55 Place Points.

precision, swim 330 yards, and conclude by

2nd—Lieut. Lumsdeu, M.

running two and a half miles across countl‘y# all in the space of five days.

In February, this year, Lieut. P. DaviesCooke, disappeared on an intensive two month training course to the Army School of Physical Training at Aldershot. There he met up with eleven others who had been selected for special training.

47 Place Points.

3rd-—Capt. Duckworth, P. 5th D.G'.

47 Place Points.

4th~Lieut. Brooke, G. A. A. Royal Navy. 51 Place Points.

RIFLE INCE the last issue of these notes a great deal of shooting has been done by almost the whole Regiment. The open Ranges on the outskirts of Brunswick have at least been repaired and put into good use.

Great keenness was shown by all concerned and some very good shooting was done.

At the end of July the Regimental} Rifle Team went up to Luneburg to fire in the 3Ist Ind. Inf. Bde. Inter Unit Rifle Meeting.

Owing to lack of previous practice due to bad weather and heavy commitments the Team did well in coming 4th.

The Falling Plates team deserves a special mention ; without practice we shot our way into the finals, beating all our Infantry opponents by a comfortable margin of

12th Lancers

Lieut. P. Davies~Cooke, was 8th with 86 Place Points.

SHOOTING seconds. In the finals we came up against No. I Engineer Training Establishment team who beat us by two plates. Of the Individuals, Sgt. Bowen (H.Q.), deserves special mention for being runner—up in the W.O.'s and Sgts. Individual Match.

The Regimental Falling Plates team and Sgt. Bowen were entered to represent the Brigade in the Rhine Army Rifle Meeting at Sennelager at the end of August.

In the first round of the Falling Plates we defeated a strong R.E.M.l£. team from Hamburg, in the second round however, we

came up against 2nd Inf. Div. R.E.M.E. (the eventual Rhine Army Champions) who beat us by two plates in the record time of 28 secs.

ivaL 1)1<.-\co(ms following:

29

Lieut. Soltan, Lieut. Maitland,

Sgts. Bowen and Joyce, Cpls. Wilkinson and Tarry.

SKIING NOTES, 1947-48

Woods, Short and Steere.

liven in Austria

we were unlucky with the snow for all the races, although we had days of perfect sun and snow while we were training.

After a few days at Ehrwald, which was also feeling the snow shortage, the whole B.A.O.R. Party, about 60 strong and rein— forced

by

wives,

W.V.S.

and

families,

moved to what we understood was a Ski Instructors Trade Test Centre at St. Christoph, famed for its hospice, at the top of the Arlberg Pass. Living Conditions there were primitive, but as one of our team put it, they kept us too tired to tick, and by the time our instructors had finished with us for the day, all we wanted was enough sleep to rest our bruised bodies for the next day’s crashes.

As it was from St. Christoph that we did all our serious training it may be of interest to describe the usual daily programme.

We skied each day from 9 o’clock until +30 or 5 o’clock, with a break for lunch.

Usually we spent the morning practising turns, small slalom courses and so on, and

in the afternoon would gadareen several times down the Kandahar or the Osthange a 1,000 foot precipice which the experts could take with only three or four turns, but for us was an almost endless succession of turns which exercised our leg muscles to the point of torture. After tea until dinner our time was our own, apart from waxing skis, adjustiig bindings, securing down loose edges, polishing boots or washing ones smalls. After dinner we would have a lecture with films and lantern slides on skiing and ski—racing technique and theory

by our host, himself a high priest of the Austrian school of skiing and the parallel turn. And so to bed. On Sundays we went for a whole days tourreusually about four hour’s climbing with skis, and a long downhill run in the magnificent skiing grounds which are not served by lifts.

We returned to lihrwald on 31st January with a lot more confidence and experience.

The races were scheduled for the 7th February, and as the snow had not im—

proved, it was decided to run the downhill race inside the Zugspitz bowliabout 9,500 feet above sea level.

On the 6th a course was laid out and we spent the day practising down it, in deep heavy snow; hardly racing conditions, but exhilarating to ski on, in spite of the dull weather. The next day dawned with a blizzard which made racing out of the question, so once again the organisers did some quick thinking, and this time chose for the downhill race the middle section of the Olympic Run at Garmisch—Parten— kirchen, now an American Leave Centre.

This was scheduled to take place, and in fact did, on the morning of February 8th with the slalom at Ehrwald the same afternoon.

The blizzard on the Zugspitz, by the time it had blown down to Garmisch, turned out to be a very heavy snowfall, and practise running on the morning of the race was in snow at times wrist—deep. However, by 11 o’clock, the course had been stamped down enough to make conditions quite fast enough for us, and the first of the seeded

runners pushed oif on the hour.

Although we had no hopes for individual success, it looked as though the team races would be a close match between G Branch HQ. B.A.O.R. and ourselves, with the R.H.G., who had missed much of the train»

ing a possible danger if we were unlucky with injuries. The selection of our team was not an easy matter. “'0 had to drop one person, as the team consisted of four, the best three times to count, and apart

from Cpl. Ostrowski who had improved

30

THE

JOURNAL

OF

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS THE

remarkably and had developed a mOst alarming but very effective style all his own, we were very much of the same standard. Eventually it was decided to drop Tpr. \Vood, who had been a shade below par. As it happened he found his old form in the races.

By the time we had all reached the bottom of the downhill, it was evident that we had

won the team racergthe B.A.(').R. team had been unlucky with injuries. and the Blues feeling the lack of training were a fair margin behind. Cpl. Ostrowski exceeded our hopes and finished with the first flight of the individuals in a very creditable time.

The course, a fairly short one, had

been mostly through wood paths, and de— manded a good deal of control if one was to keep out of the deep snow on either side of the piste especially when overtaking.

That afternoon we went down to Ehrwald for the slalom. Although we were generally less happy about slaloms than downhill races, we had by this time good hopes of winning the Slalom and therefore the combined Slalom and Downhill events, for we had a comfortable lead from the Blues,

and it seemed very doubtful whether H.Q. B.A.O.R. would be able to complete the necessary number of runs, owing to injuries.

As it turned out, we did in fact

have a walk—over#H.lQ. B.A.O.R. having to scratch in spite of a gallant effort by one of their team, to ski with a fractured

knee, and the Blues exceeding the time limit.

This time it was Tpr. Short who surprised himself, doing two very nicely controlled runs with less than half a second between them. Tpr. Steere had a brief spell of inspiration to give him the fastest single time in our team, and 7th among the individuals, unfortunately his first run had not been so good. The order within the team was almost completely the reverse of the downhill, for Cpl. Ostrowski and Captain Houston who had had the best downhill times, were 4th and 5th in the Slalom; in both cases they tried to take some of the early gates too fast, missing

them and having to climb back.

Having won the B.A.O.R. Team races,

we were asked to go on to the Army Skiing Association races at Kauzel, to represent B.A.O.R. against teams from the UK. and B.T.A. On 14th February we left on a journey none of us will ever forgeti

hitch—hiking on railways at night is no pastime for sane people, nor is a cattletruck the place to spend a night with go" of frost.

However, we eventually arrived at Kauzel and had two pleasant days practising. “'0 had had a rude shock when we arrived,

as we had been told that we would have to compete in the Military Patrol race. This upset all our calculationsmwe had tried without success to raise a Langlauf team before leaving the Regiment, and so had abandoned all idea of entering for langlauf or patrol races. It also seemed very doubtful if we would be able to raise 4 fit

JOURNAL

01:

by the Olympic Skiers Boyajis, Parkinson and Taylor who were not in the least troubled by the conditions.

At the slalom races the next day we were again defeated by the other two teams, lt should be added that the Ist Bn. Scots Guards were representing UK, and the West Yorks were the B.T.A. team, The Scots Guards again beat the \Vest Yorks by a very narrow margin, but we were this

time

somewhat

closer

behind,

only

5 points (out of too) separating us and the \Vest Yorks, who were 8 points behind

would have to do the Patrol race.

By this time we had learnt to expect

the winners. In this event again distinguished himself, with two very good runs.

The next day was the day the Patrol Race. We had day’s training for it, we had

bad weather for the races, and once again

any distance with packs and rifles before,

we had it. When we arrived the snow had been soft, almost spring snow, and very lazy to ski on. It then froze all day and all night, for the next two days. All through the Langlauf which was easily won by B.T.A.-—and rising to a peak of unpleasantness (a blizzard with snow being driven in a strong and very cold wind) for the downhill, Here we were completely outclassed. The course would have been comparatively easy with better snow, but it was almost solid ice. One shot down it at ever increasing speed until one caught an edge and turned over, or flew off the track when trying to pass through the controls.

That in fact was the fate of all of us. The speed on the icy track was thrilling for as long as one could hold it, but to keep control at speed under those snow con— ditions demanded more skill than any of our

and Tpr. Steere whose knee had kept him in bed the day before, was doubtful if he could complete the course. The patrol

men out of our five, after two days of Downhill and Slalom.

However, if we were to compete in the Team races at all, we

THE

Cpl. Ostrowski finishing 17th of our ordealfi-r only had one never skied for

race, it should be explained, is a 6 kilometre

cross country course, completed by a team of 4 men each carrying a rifle and 40 lb. pack. Army patrol skis must be used, and the whole patrol must be together when passing the controls. As if all this were not enough, four plate targets, half— way round the course, must be knocked down with riflefire.

Much to our surprise we somehow managed to complete the course. Steere's knee was very painful and we only just managed to finish, and we were all winded bv kidney—punches from our packs, and dizzy from rabbit punches by our rifles but “we had finished—and the other Regi—

ROYAL DRAGOONS

31

ments had had a specialist Patrol race team, who had not had to compete in the downhill and slalom as well. So even though we took 80 minutes to the West Yorks 55 (a really magnificent performance) the Scots Guards 63 minutes we were not

ashamed of our performance, The final scores in the team competition were as follows:: ' Downhill. Slalom. Patrol. Total I. B.T.A. (Ist West Yorks) 95 93 100 2, UK. (1st Scots Guards) too 85 283 3. B.A.O.R. (The Royal Dragoons) 53 87 50 196 So finished our first season‘s skiing.

The above account only gives the bare details, and space does not allow a dis— criptiou of the other individual races by the B.A.O.R. “Hanover”—the real ex— perts, who beat Norwegian Army, Belgian, and C.C.G. teams, as well as the cream of the

UK. and B.T.A. skiers.

We returned to the Regiment on 22nd February after 6 weeks of varied skiing in many different skiing grounds and under widely different conditions. If we had had a thorough defeat, we had also had our successes, and though we had all been bruised black and blue, we had at least

broken no bones. we had thoroughly en— joyed ourselves in spite of some of the coldest weather we had ever experienced, and we were all very grateful to the B.A.O.R. Skiing Association for making our ex— pedition possible and for organising it so well.

team could muster.

It was a short course and so each entrant made two runs. When everyone had coni— pleted their second run, the Royals party tool' stock of themselves and were horrified to see that Tpr. Short and Tpr. \Voods were the only ones who had completed both runs, and that Capt. Houston was the only one not maimed or laimed. L/Cpl. Ostrowski had twisted his knee as had Tpr. Short and Stecrc; Tpr. \V’ood had somehow cut his head ; and Capt. Houston had broken three ski—sticks, two bindings and a ski. Out of 68 entrants, Tpr. Short was 34th and Tpr. Wood was 40th, Al— though the course had not been our idea of a pleasant one, we saw a great exhibition

SWIMMING Hli Regimental Swimming team training was carried out under great difliculties, m as much as the bath in Brunswick was only 25 mtrs. and heated. This did not help to to make anyone swimming—fit for the so metre and Open Air Baths, in which the competitions were held and which were g paralyticly cold. Some swunmmg trainin was even done. in a static water tank wrth sloping sides!

However, the 51st Inf. Bde. meeting was a

great success as we had 6 wins and a third in the Individuals and came second to the 1st Ox. and Bucks. in the team events.

INDIVIDUAL

\VINNERs. S.Q.M.S. Brennan, ”A ” Squadron— 1 mtr., diving.

Lieut. P. Davies—Cooke, HQ. Squadrone loo mtrs., free style.

THE

JOURNAL

OF

mtrs.,

free

The Army Championships held at Rhyl,

style. (Bandboys.)

Tpr. Montgomery, H.Q. Squadronmioo mtrs., back stroke; 100 mtrs., free style; 200 mtrs., free style ; Sgt. Jones, 'A“ Squadron came third in the 1500

North Wales, however, brought a stop to

ROYAL

DRAGOONS Tlll",

Boy

McNamara,

Bandijo

mtrs.

The Water—Polo team which was made up from the swimming team did extremely well considering that most of them had three or four races the same day. They were beaten 3—2 by the Foresters, after two “extra-times," and three members being unable to enter the water because of cramp in the last “extra—time." S.S.M. Butterworth doing remarkable things on the left wing. The Hanover District Meeting was held at Bielefeld on the zoth and 21st of July. S.Q.M.S. Brennan, had bad luck with his 1 mtr. diving as the spring board left more than much to be desired and the other competitors had been able to practice two or three days before hand.

Lieut. P. Davies-Cooke came second in the 400 mtr. Free Style. Tpr. Montgomery was the hero of the day in again winning the zoo mtrs. Free Style ; IOO mtrs. Free Style and 100 mtrs. Back Stroke. A truly remark~ able performance which entitled him to go forward to the Rhine Army Swimming Championships.

The team events did not go at all well in spite of the assistance of Sgt. Slade and Boy McNamara who left their instruments to come to the rescue. Cpls. Tarry, Whit— bread, Pattenden and Tpr. Quinn made valiant efforts in the 4 x 50 mtrs., Breast Stroke relay, while S.Q.M.S. Brennan and Sgt. Jones won us the 3 mtr. Diving. The others who took part were Lieut. P. Davies— Cooke, Tprs. Croaker and Newton and of course Tpr. Montgomery who was the back— bone of all his team races.

A special mention also for Cpl. Raftery, who appeared on the scene with an enormous bottle of “ Winter Green " which was much appreciated by the team as well as outsiders.

The result of this meeting was IStAH.Q. B.A.O.R. Signal Regiment; 2nd—H.Q. B.A.O.R. Camp ; 3rd~rst Ox. and Bucks, and 4th Royals. Tpr. Montgomery contin— ued his successful career by winning the same three events at the B.A.O.R. Champ— ionships at Hamburg and set—up a new B.A.O.R. record for the too mtrs. Back Stroke.

his winning when he came up against some tough opposition who had been training with some of the Olympic swimmers. His final placings were 4th in the too mtrs. Back Stroke, and 5th in the too mtrs. Free Style.

The Fife and Forfar

Yeomanry (T.A.) HE Regiment is just completing its first real year’s training since being reconstituted. It has been a most success— ful year, much having been achieved, largely due to the help of the " old Yeomen."

Our strength is still small, only a little more than a full Squadron having been recruited.

However, recruiting is in full swing again and we are confident that we shall recruit far more than the minimum required by the C.I.G.S. for 1950.

There have been one or two changes in the staff, and rumours of more, now that most

have almost completed a two year tour. we were sorry to see Major Morton, the Quartermaster, leave us as soon as we had finished Annual Camp. \Ve send him every good wish and hope he has settled down at Chepstow with his family. He had become quite a landmark in Cupar, striding up and down the streets displaying rows of medals. Rumour has it that a certain hotel in the district is going out of business, now that the demand has ceased

for “ gin pink with onion Qm for the use of." We welcome Capt. Cooper (R.T.R.) as Quartermaster, and also R.S.M. E. Harris of The Bays.

We also heartily congratulate Cpl. Taylor on his marriage.

We hope to welcome some new faces shortly, so a word of advice to those who are “ Blighty happy " and reckon they are coming. If you are Scotland bound, don’t forget your fleece—lined undies and fur boots, for you will find it “ cauld in the nicht " and a back breaking job ” tattic huwking ” for buchsheesh.

In June H.M. King George VI. with the Queen and Princess Margaret carried out a tour of the Kingdom of Fife, and we were selected to supply the Guard of Honour at Cupar. The actual day fell on a Mon-

JOI‘RNAl.

01“

day, so that it was decided to combine it with a Regimental \Veek-end Camp to assemble on the Friday. This was made possible by the kindness of the A.O.C., R.A.F., Leuchars, who placed accommodation at our disposal. The weather proved favourable and we were able to get out for training on Saturday and Sunday. During the evening there was plenty of entertainment in Camp. All were in fine fettlc for Monday's Guard of Honour, there had

been a good deal of inter Squadron ” bul« ling ” up, and the picture of nigh a hundred stalwart Yeomen standing smartly to at— tention and looking their own height. looked quite impressive. The weather had quite broken up by the afternoon and just at the conclusion of the Royal visit, the

heavens opened and rain fell in torrents.

Spirits were not long damped though, and assembled in the tea marquee we succeeded in disposing of vast quantities of choice provender. Dispersal to Squadrons soon followed with the general opinion that a good time had been had by all. Royal congratulations for our turnout and hear— ing were received later.

A few weeks later, we proceeded to Annual

Camp which was held at Stobs on the Scottish border. The camp was run by the K.D.Gs. who supplied additional Arnr oured Cars and Instructors. Classes were organised for D. & M., VV‘T. and Gunnery over the whole period, and the Officers had their own group which concentrated mainly on \Vireless and T.E.W.Ts. A scheme was held at the latter end of the Camp and although we could have wished for more cars, all ranks were afforded an

opportunity of getting a practical view of their wartime job. All available ranks were able to fire the 2 pdr. and Besa, al~ though the first days shooting had to be abandoned when a terrific thunder storm and rain came hustling up the valley, and tore targets and our morale to shreds.

As this was the first post—war Camp there was a great deal of " getting to know each other

but

camaraderie

ended

on

norm. DRAGUUNS

benefit from this year's experience and shall know what to expect next year.

We are very grateful for all the hospitality and help given us by the I{.I).(}s.

During Battle of Britain week, we furnished a team of 6 P.S.Is. with. 3 Daimler Cars in a demonstration of wheel changing and reverse driving at speed which earned the team well merited applause.

On the final day we supplied two troops to take part in a mock battle designed to show Army and RAF. co~operation. The cars were manned by A and B Squadron personnel.

The Troops moved in open formation to attack a desert fort held by Wogs with modern weapons, who despite a heavy barrage of Thunderflashes and blanks, withstood our attack. Air support was demanded. An Air Liaison Officer then directed Spitfires, Mosquitoes and Lan— casters on the fort. After having received stick, the ”Wogs" baled out and were rounded up by our cars and shepherded to a safe distance. The fort was then finally blown skyhigh.

The Regiment is sending a contingent for the TA. Review to be held in Hyde Park before H.M. the King on October 3Ist. The preparations are already going forward to ensure that the F. 8; F. Yeomanry lives up to its reputation, but doubtless we shall have more to tell you on the subject in the next Journal.

At the time of writing there is a general scramble amongst our heavier footed breth— ren to make up the leeway of lost drills before the end of the qualifying date for Bounty. Those already past the post are smugly anticipating the time when they will stagger away from the groaning pay table. their pockets weighted with well earned gold.

Have you notified your latest address for the Journal to the

the

sports field where the tussle for football and athletic honours brought out all the old inter—squadron rivalry. Sgt. Mess mem— bers enjoyed a spell of Mess life again, and right arms were lifted with all the old skill and cunning of bygone days. On the whole the Camp went off well. \Ve shall

55

General Secretary, Regimental ielssocinlion, The Royal Dragoons, 60. Carey Street. Lonrlon, W. C. 2.

Tllli

JOI'RNAL

CARRINGTON & CO., LTD. many

Sifvei'smit/Ls

THE

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°°

DRAGOONS

NOTES

been

changes within the Committee

of the O.C.A.

130

ROYAL

has resigned from the post as Honorary

Secretary. We take this opportunity of thanking him for all the hard work that he put in and for his loyal support to the O.C.A. To his successor, Mr. \\'. (\Vally) Thomas, we extend a hearty welcome and know that he will prove a worthy successor.

Many new faces are now on the Committee and we extend a cordial welcome to Major General J. Buckley, C.B.E., 1).s.o., no, Messrs. F. J. H. Creask and T. N. \Vright as new members, and also to D. (Shady) Crook who has recently been co—Opted as a member.

The Committee now consists of the follow— ing :— President: Colonel F. W. Wilsonlt‘itzGerald, 1).s.o., nc.

Chairman .'

Brigadier R. Peake, D.S.O., 0.8.1:.

How. Trtns. .'

Captain H. de Pinna Weil. ' Hon. Sec. .'

W. Thomas.

Asst. Hon. Sac. .' H. Grace.

Members: Colonel R. B. Moseley, Major General J. Buckley, c.B.F, D.S.O., no, Messrs. J. H. Booth, )I.B.E., C. Bowles,

M.M., J. J. Hewitt, H. W. Earle, J. M. Weedon, P. H. A. Hatherill, W. J. Stephens, W. Seabrook, D. H. Gunn,

F. J. H. Creask, T. N. Wright and D. Crook.

OBITUARY. It is with deep regret that we have to announce the deaths of the following Old Comrades :# Lieut. \V. S. Phillips, Messrs. G. Brown of Sandgate (who will be well known by members of the Regiment when they were stationed at Shorncliffe 1936-38), H. C. Lnnn, P. L. Hart and J. Irvine (S.Q.M.S. of “ A " Squadron). On behalf of all members of the O.C.A. we offer our deepest sympathy to their Families and Relatives on their sad loss.

ANNUAL RE—UNION»rIg48.

The Annual Re—Union was held on Cup Final Night (April 24th) at the Doctor Butler’s Head. There were about 200

Cavalry Memorial

Parade

311

1111: JorRNAL or

members present. We were very pleased to welcome a party of serving members from the Regiment. The Re—union was run on the lines of a running buffet and from what we heard next morning a good time was had bv all in fact there was onlv one complaint ves! youve guessed it—‘ 7111 Beer Shortage. The Colonel of the Regi— ment (Colonel I. \V'. \Iilson— FitzGerald, 1).s.0.. 11.11.) proposed the Toast of the

Regiment and Captain C. \V. J. Lewis responded. “'13 would very much like to publish a list of all members who attended, but owing to paper shortage, we are unable to do so.

The next day, Sunday, 25th April. the Cavalry Memorial Parade was held in Hyde Park and we had a good muster.

DANCEs During the period under review, we have held a number of dances. Some have proved a success. others not so good. We would like to point out that these dances are organised for the benefit of Old Comrades so that theyccan get to gether. \Ve would very much like to see more v ounger members present. At our dance held on 16th October

TIIli

ROYAI.

T1111:

DRAGOONS

there were quite a muster of young members.

JOI'RNAI.

'l‘lIl".

ROYAL

J)RAC.(IONS

The Regimental Gazette

so, if you want to get in touch with a I’al,

WHY NOT AT THESE FUNCTIONS Members will be very pleased to hear, that

BIRTHS

after our wanderings around London, look—

ing for a place, we are at last back where we were, before the war. at the Head— quarters

of

the

\Vestminster

—§\15N Sgt I inch |. pmorthAlS(“(LH)UH,JH

To the wife atria son, Trevor Wayne, on :1 Feb., .18.

To the wife of -21 d;111ght:r, Christina .\1111, on 31 .\Iar,, 19.18.

To the wife of ~a son, Barrie \Villiam, 1111 7 May, 43.

To the wife ofia son, Michael John, on 3 Apr., 43.

To the wife offia son, Michael Edmond, on I) Sep., .18.

To the wife of a son, John Allan, on 17 Sep., 1S.

Dragoons,

No. 1 Elverton Street, \Vestminster, SAVJ AXNUAI. GENERAL MEETING. The Annual General Meeting took place on Saturday, 2nd July, Colonel F. \V. \Vilsori—l1‘itzC1e1‘ald, D.s.o., 311., presiding.

I11 his opening address he gave us a very full account of his visit to the Regiment.

During the evening he presented a Wireless Set, on behalf of all members of the O.C.A.,

to Mr. J. J. Hewitt, as a mark of our appreciation for the hard work he did whilst acting as Secretary.

FL‘TL'RF. FUNCTIONS. We would like to take this opportunity of reminding members that the Annual Re—Union for 1949 and the Annual General Meeting will take place on Cup Final Night Notification will he sent to all members.

(Continued on page 39)

1117.1 2.111 \\ ,/‘.(pl Blzuklnnn, \V'.

100115011«("pl l1en1ullv, J. 110010 (,3.1\l.S. (\\.()ll) I\ell\, .\12'31.

1081101) \\'.( ). lI Butterw o1tl1, (‘1.

MARRIAGES Hall, 1..

71127111111 Sgt. James, R.

To Doris ‘llis, at I1‘.11]i11g, on 13 .\I21r., .18.

To .\Iagg1 del Irmelia (ilerrup, :11 C1.1penl1agen, on

210011111)Sgt.

5 .\Iav,

Io Olin \laiv .\11\e\,at Bedlinnton, on 111 \pr, .18.

To |1‘. ileen I.o\e,z1t Bi1n1ingha1n, on 5 J1111.,.1S. I‘o Jean \lit1hr-,II at Burv St. l1‘.d11111111ls, on 3 J11n., 1S. 'l‘o.\Ii1111a Anna lilse Stunner, at Lubeck, on 17 Jul., 1S To Marta Monika Maria ()eiepka, at Hanover, on 30 Jul., 1s To Jean Bowley, at Ilkatton, on :1 Jun, 48.

To Livia Selma Torster, at Hameln, Munster, (111 2.1 Jul., 15.

To Hedwig Minna Elisabeth Reinefeld, at \Volfenbuttel on 11 Sep., 48.

To Vera .\Iargaret Lathwell, at Luton, on IS Sep., 48.

'l‘pr.( ;L>l£lt,‘il (111. Lv 11d Sgt. Rapkinl, R \.

Tpr. Standing, .\. ..

1101511o Sgt, Perry, \‘V'.

111032113 7113115111 1091.10 71).1t11)3

19032880 Cpl. Sheppard, S. 79031 74 Cpl. Shone, F. 144608168 Tpr. Caswell, W. C. 1.1801300 Tpr. Davidson, F.. J.

OF REGULAR SOLDIERS

NOMINAL ROLL 11008011 RS. \1.

Morgan. N. H., Al..\I. 1100007 R. l,S. (.)ld, J. B. I’.

IS. 101335 550040 I.() .\ LS.

llill, C. I).

Ct).sg11)\e,J.\\'. .100010 (, ).M. S. 1\\ .0. II) Ixelly, 31.31.

A Ray liss, A. .101511 . intterworth, G. 1089(11) .‘ ‘

Coats are available in scarlet and black.

Also a good stock of fine quality riding boots, in black waxed calf.

5.51891 -

.\ustin, 17.1), (‘1,, .

317-117

.\Iaguire, 'I‘.

Venn, J. H. Crockett, B. \\'.

Sproadbury, H. 11‘.

Austen. J.

788- S: .

110980 .

10.1831) .

117355 9-.

S. S .S. S‘

.

5511001) 311075 11115081 71152101 31991.)

1159180!)

11158515

. . ., . .‘ . .1 . ., . . .

1.1151)t173 .‘ '.

llorsetield, \V. II.

1.1113223 410530 31(1Sz3 .13St17(11 210011111)

limpringhain, B. I5, ( \\‘eller, I13. H. Joyce, If. II. \\'atson, R. Hall, 1..

Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt. Sgt.

411.1590 Sgt.

5111220 1111:3111

M055 BROS; or covsur GARDEN THE COMPLETE MAN'S STORE

40.3777 10.1121) 1119117 400111) .'

7027.109 C

101471 Q Junction of

Garrick and Bedford Streets, W.C.2.

Temple Bar 4477

.101 193 ., 11110790 .

410(11: .‘

320905 1.1o3t1101

AND

BRANCHES

105587 7S81582 319005 551010 .

. Douglas, 1), H.

Brennan, I).

I’almer, C. .\.

Bowen, I11 V. Edwards, J. Rapkin, R. \\'.

James, R. H. livans .\., 11.011.

Benson, 1..

Baker, W. ( Bradley, J. 11.

Lee, J. .\‘ash, J. Appleton, S. Finch, 'I‘. l’. (‘nlyer, l).

Johnson, If.

Jones, \\'.

IZ111pringha1n. .\. J. .\lantle, P. \. \Vood, \\'. R. Brown J. S‘. \owles, I1. ‘. (1.

Linehan, M. g

.1IOt1trl Sgt. 111t17011 Sgt. 190310111 Sgt. X 71101851

Sgt.

1108111 Sgt. 53.1.1143 14733208 141722.111 (10131172 111110018 33.11071 711113171 3.70:1 7113115111 10.1115 1.1135701)

Cpl. C111.

Cpl. Cpl. Cpl. Cpl. Cpl. C111.

C11].

Cpl. Cpl.

Perry, \\'. II.

Phillips. .\. l.i11k, K. I’ooks. R, .\. de B. Ostrowski, R.

Acres. 17. II. Hards, A. C. t‘.

Fletcher, 11‘.

Blackburn, \\'. J. \\‘hitbread, F. G. S. )lichelagnoli. N. (lennings, .\.

Shone, Ii. Harwood. H. I._vnd, 1.

Goring, (2.

Ri1nn1er,('. II.

38

THE

JOURNAL

Wilkinson, F. \V. Clarke, R. H. Milthorpe, Hi \V. Hamilton, R. F. Brunton, D. F. Kurpiewski, S. E. Pritchard, E. 0.

Powell, J. M. Beeforth, D. \Velton, G. Bailey, P. S. Ranson, P. G. Sheppard, S. Eggar, J. H. Fearn, F. H. \Viddows, D. A. Rickuss, R. J Smith, G. \V. Pemberto, N. \Y. Y. Kimble, F. H. Chandler, K. E.

7893674 408852 527860

I9032975 I4456193 ){/7961865 19038520 14448062 4623102

7937074 19044924 14194892 19022880

14188497 I4475003 14471579 19041127 19036409 19038341 14467256 19038602 19038492

Paul, J. A. Bush, J. A.

2548845 19038454 14457595 3607121 19038884 19032785

X/7961849 I9035145

.

19044566

X1’7961854 19048764 19031064 21001258

14475651

19043928 82960

19036944 19035416

Ballard, D. K. Wilson, D. Dick, K. Stanley, R. Hughes, J. Bujko, H. Harrison, C. E. Lawrence, H. \Vojda, S. Poulter, R. L. Diment, P. a Hill, R. J. Clarke, B. , Tester, R. \V. Cahill, K. Brett, F. S. Barrington, P. Watson, J. E. Hall, D. N. Williams, R. T. Ayrton, A.

14194041 14921310 L, Cpl. 19038738 L, Cpl. 21001516 L/Cpl. 553579 L‘stl. Thompson, H. S. 14461670 Lngl. Mellors, R.

14472057 L/Cpl. Capill, R. C. 14468304 L/Cpl. Corfield, E. F. T. L/Cpl. Maxted,i 14191458 L,‘Cpl. Viggars, R. V\'.

19047021 LJCpl. Collins, P. 14919705 L/Cpl. Hubble, E. 19032394 L/Cpl. Lapington, S. G. D. 21001875 L,r'Cpl. Carter, A. 21125664 L/Cpl. Newton, R. A. M. 14191809 L/Cpl. Simpson, T. R. 19033988 L5’Cpl. Murray, A. J. 21001483 La’Cpl. McCairn, P. J. 19043504 LJ’Cpl. Fennelly, J. I0034999 Lngl. Wesleyd, F. Alcock, \V. Allen, H. E. Allen, S. J. Appleby, J. Tpr. Ashford, l..

Tpr. Baguley, E. Tpr. Banks, G. T. Tpr. Banner, C. H. Tpr. Bea]. D.

319707 Tpr. 14988558 Tpr. 19047970 Tpr. 19042512 Tpr. 21187481

21001515 321861

19035565 19044670

OF

THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

THE

19041283 Tpr. Benson, L. J. 19036388 Tpr. Best, A. R. A. 14473050 Tpr. Bix, A. J. A. l’.

19042202 Tpr. Blackledge, H. 5960482 Tpr. Blackmail, D. 21125011 Tpr. Blacktop, G. A. 21023958 Tpr. Bliss, B. J. 19194478 Tpr. Bosher, J. 4802257 Tpr. Bourke, R. 19045970 Tpr. Bowen, E. S. 19035540 Tpr. Bradford, 1..

19040855 T pr. Brindle, G. 21125065 Tpr. Bromley, J. 4206636 Tpr. Burgess, A. E. 19044023 Tpr. Burnett, R. D. 19037697 Tpr. Burton, K. 21125155 Tpr. Cannell, I. 10043935 Tpr. Carr, G. V. 22202570 Tpr. Carroll, H. 14668168 Tpr. Caswell, \\'. C. 14190979 Tpr. Clarke, M. H. 14189125 Tpr. Clarke, C. R. 19037700 Tpr. Collet, E. J. 14461790 '1‘pr. Collins, T. A. 19037795 Tpr. Collins, M. J. 19036662 Tpr. Cook, E J. 19048916 Tpr. Cooke, 31.

21124483 Tpr. Coutts, J. S. 19048264 Tpr. Critcher, B. E. 548948 Tpr. Dartmouth. J. 14804300 Tpr. Davidson, E. J. 14463231 Tpr. Davidson, A. 14740583 Tpr. Dent, N. 21124414 Tpr. Dexter, R. \V. 22202782 Tpr. Draper, C. E. 21126968 Tpr. Elkington, E. 14462075 Tpr. Emery, D. 14433535 Tpr. Evans, P. 19032107 Tpr. Eyers, D. J. Tpr. Fell, O. 21128151 Tpr. Fenton, G. Fletcher, R. Tpr. 14190606 21124190 Tpr. Fuller, Dr A. 19043379 Tpr. Gaery, T. J. 19032143 Tpr. Golder, C. E. 21134354 Tpr. Goodwin, D. C. 19030813 Tpr. Greenley, T. \l'.

7961869 Tpr. Griffin, J. \V. 14184283 Tpr. Griffiths, J.

7904961

834724

.

Gunn, J.

14184290 19048988 19042276 19043863 14194238

. . . . . . . . .

Hall, R. H. G. Harris, J. R. Hawthorn, \V. E. Haynes, T. Hingsron, D. Hoare, J. Hodgson, D. A. Hopper, J. A1 Horlick, L.

14473913 19043086 21023670 14189700 19040181 19044630 14194678

14440287 19036558

21124307 X/7961850 19033709 19048604 19032399 21128130 21124185

. Johnson, J. R. . Johnson, P. . Johnston, R. W. J . Kendell, G. \V. Kirkley, J. [.eese, D. . Lewocz, M. . Luff, P. M. . Mcquaid, E. J. . Macpherson, \V. \V. . Majury, R. l). . Marshall, I‘. K.

22200158 21125908 42021119 25492112 10034968 14479020

Tpr. Prs. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

10030760 Tpr.

X,”7o61852 19048172 2 I 125784 21001024 111044751) 14458814 100411149

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. ’l‘pr.

Tpr.

10048672 Tpr.

21124729 814982 14670560 21187030 19035493 19033195 22206252 14471842 22202041 317544 19041883 X 7901853 7940793 750334

Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr. Tpr.

()1:

Mooney Morgan, M. Morris.

Morton, D. R. G. Norrmvuy, G. Nicholson, l\'. A.

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

39

Norris, S. J. C.

THE SOLTAN 0r

Raison, ll. ll. \\'.

Reniirey, l). J. Roberts, B. Roberts, J. Roberts, J. 0.

Robson, L. G. Rockall, l“.

Routley, .\.

Sager, l\'. \\'..G. Seymour, I).

Sheppard, 1..

Shorter, P. R. W. Sienkiewicz, G. Standing, A. E. Stirling,

.

Tairy, G. A. Taylor, L. Thomas, A. \V. Thompson, E. Titmarsh, C. Trickey, J. S. Underwood Yessey, C. \\'allace, T. \Varburton, J. Ward, T. J. \\'arwick, G.‘ \\'atorski, \V. \\'elsh, J. T. \\'eston, 1..

Wilde, S J. \Villis, E. R. Yates, \\'.

recently

been

Through the dense WOOD strode SOLTAN Brandishing a mighty FEARN.

the

Observed a maiden who was NETTING, in a stream .Where fishes turn,

I will kiss her just to TESTER, then I’ll CARRIER to my OHM. But she offered great RESISTANCE t0 the BASE SWITCHED the NET from out the CUR— RENT, in actual fact A MASTER SWITCH, For it struck the SOLTAN’S DIAL, no STRENGTH 2 effort was that PITCH.

Not prepared for such PROCEDURE the SOLTAN'S voice with VOLUME shook, “ Now I‘ll show the LINK—SIGN SYSTEM ” quoting from A WIRELESS BOOK. Retreating swiftly in a CIRCUIT till at length The RANGE was great, Then she shouted shrill and loudly, filled With horror and with hate,

opened

and is situated near the Marble Arch, and

there are a great number of amenities available. The two members selected for this gift werer eMessrs. \V. Turp and H. Grace.

We would like to remind members that if they change their addresses to let the Secretai‘y'know, if any Old Comrade knows of any Old Royal not a member try and get him to join.

The address of the Secretary is :~~ ()0, Carey Street, (‘hzmcery Lane, London, “'1“. 2.

Wireless Wing Madness.

And crafty SOLTAN,

eon/iuzwdfrom page 36.

Vicrour Cite.

This Club has

111E

We take this opportunity of Wishing all members of the O.C.A., and serving members of the Regiment, A very Merry Christmas and all the Very Best for 1949.

Osinski, )l.

Percival, 'l‘. l..

I’erring, J. G. Plumbly, (L R. Price, 1’. ll.

Raitrey, (;.

Radiord, 1).

19032131 Tpr. Stock, 1 320893 320729 19034572 21125951 21023322 2548850 721124274 19035624 19034438 21124553 19048616 Xj'2 1001615 19033697 21023888 21023035 14477281 19038796

JOURNAL

“ I don't like your CODES of honour, now I’m POSITIVE of your trait," And lithely turning started running, paid tribute To the 8 HOUR RATE.

Over crocus BULBS she VOLTED, per— ceiving This the SOLTAN halted.

The SOLTAN had of course seen red, but he Was not so easily LEAD. The sun has SET but herwon’t fret, for

He's gone back to his SUPERHET.

Ivozy TUSk'

CW" 5""

‘ L

Silver Vanity Case £l3. 5.0

.' »

zyxzy with Gold Lip

£3.2.6 ~

Enginé turned _-Silye'q Cigarette Case for H; Ciggret'tes £25 . l7 . 6

SIIVer Scroll Money Clip £2 . l7 . 6

Silver Cigarette 'Holder , 3%” £7. [0.0

Silver Key Hold

By Appointment (0 HM. The King Silvers lrh: 8: Jewellers

London, W.l nd 62-64 The Promenade. Cheltenham

HERBERT JOHNSON (megz'mmfa/ @fimwéers i0 THE

ROYAL

DRAGOONS

@bi/ anc/ Wilda? gfa/z’ers

38. NEW mo mm. LONDDN.VH. OWMM

F. J. PARSONS Ltd. FOLKESTONE

PVMMVJ

- HASTINGS BEXHILL

and

SEAFORD

Pué/z'ylym LENNOX

HOUSE, NORFOLK

LEWES LONDON OFFICE STREET, LONDON, W.C.2

Produced for the Editor. " The Eagle," The Journal of the Royal Dragoons, by Combined Service Publications, Ltd., 67—68, Jermyn street. St. James's London, S.W.1. Printed in Great Britain by F. J. Parsons. Ltd.. Lennox House.

Norfolk Street. London, W.C.2, and Haamngs and Folkestone. Advertisement Agents: Service Newspapers. Ltd., (’Phone: Whitehall 2504).

67-68. Jemyn Street, S.W.1._